“I was told that I am new I won’t be ready for Rohit Sharma” – Tanzim Hasan Sakib recalls his ODI debut

Bangladesh fast bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib recalled his ODI debut against India. Sakib said people told him he wouldn’t be ready to bowl to Rohit Sharma and the Indian captain would be too good for him, given his class and experience.

However, the youngster was able to show that he belongs at the top level as he dismissed Rohit Sharma for a duck in the Asia Cup 2023. Sakib returned with impressive figures of 2-32 as Bangladesh defended the target of 266 and won by six runs.

Sakib said as quoted by Cricbuzz, “It was my debut match and Rohit Sharma was the opponent or there was Team India. Actually, to be honest, I didn’t think of that for once. I was told that I am new I won’t be ready for Rohit Sharma. But I was sure that I will play with my strength. If I can bowl at the right places and can make the new ball swing it will put any batter in trouble.

“I thought about what strength I have and tried to utilize that in the field, I didn’t think about who the opponent was. I keep one thing in mind that a good ball is a good ball for everyone.”

Sakib also returned with figures of 2-32 in the T20 World Cup match against India despite the Tigers suffering a 50-run loss. The right-arm pacer impressed one and all in the T20I as he scalped 11 wickets in seven matches at an average of 13.55.

Sakib added he always wanted to be ready for the big stage and didn’t compare himself with others when his teammates were getting picked ahead of him.

“Whenever my teammates got a chance in the national team, it never came across my mind that I also need to be in the national team. I thought that whenever I will go to the national team I have to go there after being completely ready so that they can’t drop me after playing one or two matches.”

The opening T20I between India and Bangladesh will be played in Gwalior on Sunday.