‘Want to be number one Test bowler in the world’

Shakib, when you hear the name, the image of ever-familiar, poster boy and one of the best all-rounders in the world comes to mind subconsciously.

He has become a brand not only in the country but also in the international arena.

There is another Shakib in Bangladesh cricket. He can be called Shakib No 2 or Junior Shakib. He is World Cup winning fast bowler Tanjim Hasan Shakib. Now who does not know him? If you cannot remember him, you will remember the scene of his throwing the ball towards Indian batsmen in the World Cup final. The right-handed pacer showed that aggression on stage in the final.

You were fascinated by the cricketing spirit of Captain Akbar Ali, Shariful Islam, Prantik Nowroz Nabil, Rakibul and other members of the World Cup winning team.

Let’s be acquainted with Tanjim Hasan Shakib's mature cricket knowledge. The fast bowler said many unknown things in an interview with the country’s popular online news portal risingbd.

Risingbd: Dale Steyn is your bowling idol. When does Stein start to look good? When do you start to feel for Steyn?

Shakib: Since childhood. When I watched the game on TV, I felt for Dale Steyn’s bowling as it was different. I like his bowling pace, swinging, run-up and threatening to the batsman. Overall, I was very fond of Dale Steyn since childhood.

Risingbd: Then the favorite bowler is Dale Steyn?

Shakib: Of course, Dale Steyn. I want to be like Dale Steyn, the No. 1 Test bowler in the world.

Risingbd: So we can say your favourite format is Test?

Shakib: Obviously, you are right.

Risingbd: In the context of Bangladesh, the pacers are averse to Tests. But how did your love for Tests grow?

Shakib: I realized one thing and found the beauty of cricket is actually in Test matches. Cricket launched with the format. I think class of a player can be realized by test. Who can play how much cricket or who has a sense of cricket you can understand through tests. For those who do not love Test cricket, it is a personal matter. But I like the test more.

Risingbd: You were supposed to replace Rakibul for batting in the World Cup final. If you had gone in right place, you would get a chance to finish the match. Do you feel bad now?

Shakib: No, I never feel bad. We achieved what was our goal. So, no regret for that. Whatever Allah does it is for our best. But I can say if I had the chance, I would have given my best.

Risingbd: There was a lot of sledging in the World Cup final. It was very hot. The situation was very excited…

Shakib: In fact, we never sledged them out. But they were sledging with us. They also sledged a lot in the Asia Cup final in Sri Lanka. They continued sledging when I was in batting. That’s why we gave it back when we got them in the World Cup final. However, they started sledging, we didn’t.

Risingbd: You can bat better as well as bowling…

Shakib: I am constantly trying to improve my batting. However, there is no specific goal. My thoughts on batting is to give the team somethng in the lower order. That's why I focus on batting.

Risingbd: Who do you dream of sharing a dressing room with?

Shakib: Shakib Al Hasan.

Risingbd: At what age do you want to see you in the national team?

Shakib: It cannot be said with certainty that I will play in the national team after two years, or after three or four years. I wish when the selectors would consider me suitable for the national team and when I feel like I am fit for the national team or I have achieved qualifications for that level, That's when I was able to play with seniors. No matter as long as it takes to achieve. Because I am a cricketer and I will play cricket for lifetime. If I make my debut after two years, I may be eliminated if I’m poor in one of the two matches. Again I have to sit on the side. I want when I enter the national, I will play continuously. I do not want to be kicked out of the team.

Risingbd: You have played more at pace-friendly wickets and had success there. Bangladesh’s wickets are not usually pace-friendly. Pacers do not get much advantage. What are your thoughts on this?

Shakib: Actually, there is nothing to do here. This is because of our weather. That is why the pitch always remain dry. Pace bowling is not helpful here. Due to being dry, pacers do not get much movement. Besides, our land is relatively softer. That is why the wicket is not much bouncy. A good pacer will bowls well in all conditions, with his merit. I will not get much pace bounce or less swing on Bangladesh wickets compared to South Africa or England. But I think if I can bowl with merit here, it will be easier for me to get success. And I enjoy bowling in Bangladesh. Because if you want to bowl in Bangladesh, you have to put a little extra pressure. If you don't give extra pressure, the batsman can play easily. I enjoy this thing.

Risingbd: How did cricket start?

Shakib: It was started by playing tape tennis in areas where I live in. I came to the professional cricket from BKSP. Then I used to find out when BKSP will take the trial. I went to Moulvibazar for trial after reading news on a paper. I got chance BKSP admission. Thus the journey in professional cricket began.

Risingbd: Did you get support from your family when you started cricket in your childhood?

Shakib: At the very beginning, I only got the support from my mother. My father wanted me to study and get a job. When I started playing well, when my father saw me playing well or in a position or in the pipeline, every one of the family started supporting me. Even when bad times came, every one of the family boosted me up with support.

Risingbd: Who is your most favourite cricketer in Bangladesh?

Shakib: Mushfiqur Rahim.

Risingbd: Who is the best friend of U-19 team?

Shakib: Mrittunjoy Chowdhury.

 

Dhaka/Yeasin/AKA