Bangladesh off-spinner Sohag Gazi was ousted from the national set-up due to a suspect bowling action following the three-ODI series away to the West Indies last August. The International Cricket Council had him suspended and the Patuakhali lad has been grafting hard ever since to correct his bowling action.
The youngster received a fillip and was rewarded for his recent hard-work as he was named in the Bangladesh Twenty20 squad for the two-match series against South Africa. An elated Sohag shared his thoughts with the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.
How do you feel upon scripting a return to the national fold?
This is a turning point for me. The team is doing well. The newcomers are also doing well so it is tough to get a chance in the team. I will try to repeat what I did in my international debut if I get the chance to play this time. I feel this is my second debut to be honest because the competition is very intense. You need to perform in order to sustain in the team.
What were the remedies that you underwent in order to make a comeback?
I was alone and had to do all the work by myself. Ruwan (Bangladesh spin and assistant coach Ruwan Kalpage) was busy with the national team. You have to do it by your own if you want to return to the national side and I did that. I worked as if it was a new start. I have played in the national team so I know what you need to do in order to return.
How many changes did your bowling action experience recently?
There was not much to do, to be honest. I have worked on my side-action and thanks to the Almighty, it looks fine at the moment. I played the national league, Dhaka league and Bangladesh Cricket League and I am satisfied with my action if you ask me. Yes, there might be some nervousness working but I think I will be able to manage that and I have worked on it.
How are you treating your comeback to the T20 set-up?
It was a different scenario when I made my Test debut. What was more interesting was that I had to bowl to a batsman like Chris Gayle. I think a bowler should have the expertise to bowl in any format because the team is doing so well that it's very hard to find a vacant spot. I will try to do my best to hold onto the opportunity if I am given a chance.
