Full Name: Mohammad Rubel Hossain Date of Birth: January 1, 1990 Birthplace: Bagerhat, Khulna, Bangladesh Role: Right-Arm Fast Bowler Wearing jersey number 34, Rubel Hossain etched his name in Bangladesh cricket history as one of the first genuine fast bowlers the country had ever produced. Known for his slingy action, sheer pace, and lion-hearted spells, Rubel wasn’t just a bowler—he was a symbol of Bangladesh’s cricketing evolution. Born in Bagerhat, a quiet district in the Khulna Division, Rubel grew up far from the bustling cricketing centers of Dhaka and Chattogram. From the dusty fields of rural Bangladesh, he harbored dreams of becoming a pace bowler—a rare aspiration in a country known more for spin. But Rubel had pace in his veins. His talent was spotted early, and his raw speed quickly turned heads. He made his ODI debut in 2009 against Sri Lanka, and soon after, in a Test match against the West Indies, he bowled a devastating spell that earned him a five-wicket haul and helped Bangladesh clinch their first overseas Test series victory. That moment became a defining chapter not only for Rubel but also for the national team. Rubel’s unorthodox slingy action reminded many of Lasith Malinga, and he could consistently clock speeds around 140 km/h—a rarity among Bangladesh pacers at the time. While he struggled with consistency in the early years, his passion and fearlessness kept him in the spotlight. His most unforgettable contribution came during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. In the quarterfinal clash against England, Rubel produced a sensational death-over spell, dismissing Ian Bell and Stuart Broad with searing yorkers. His 4-wicket haul propelled Bangladesh into their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal, and Rubel became an overnight hero. His tearful celebration and roar of triumph captured a nation's pride. Despite injuries and dips in form, Rubel remained a fighter. He served Bangladesh cricket in all three formats for over a decade, picking up over 130 ODI wickets, many in crunch situations. In Test cricket, he may not have had the numbers, but his spells often brought breakthroughs on lifeless wickets, especially overseas. Off the field, Rubel is known for his humility and kindness. He came from modest beginnings and never forgot his roots. He has supported various charitable causes and remains an inspiration for young cricketers from rural Bangladesh who dare to dream. Later in his career, with the rise of new pacers like Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel transitioned into a mentor’s role. His experience, especially in white-ball cricket, became invaluable in the dressing room. He was part of Bangladesh's pace resurgence, one of the torchbearers who made fast bowling a possibility for the next generation. Rubel Hossain may no longer don the national jersey, but with jersey number 34, he gifted Bangladesh moments of raw emotion, pride, and belief. His story—from a small-town boy to a World Cup warrior—is one of speed, sacrifice, and sincere service to the game.