Also read: Batting at No 3, my responsibility is big, says Sabbir
Sabbir has already played 43 ODIs and 31 T20Is and despite his strike rate being in the 90s, he is yet to score a hundred. He did smash five fifties with a highest score of 65. The recent 2017 Champions Trophy in England was a tough outing for Sabbir as he scored 24, eight, eight and 19 in four games batting at No 6. However, following the first two games, he was later promoted to No 3. But he failed to score big as the questions started to rise over his ability. The Tigers are preparing for the upcoming home series against Australia in the national camp where Sabbir informed that he is eagerly waiting to play a game to forget his lean patch, which, according to him, is hurting him after his failure in the Champions Trophy.
“My national team career is just three years old. I was unable to play well in the last four-five games in the Champions Trophy. However, other than that, the series' which I have played both home and away and also in the 2015 World Cup, I think, I performed well as you can’t judge a player in just four-five games. I am trying to overcome this situation and looking to correct my mistakes,” Sabbir told the media after their training session in Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.“I am actually eagerly waiting to play a game as I was unable to play well in my last three-four games, and that hurts me badly. But whatever series I play first, be it Tests, ODIs or T20Is, I will try to play well and forget this lean patch,” he said. According to the stylish right hander, there is always challenges for a cricketer, let it be in any format. When asked if the team management sees him as one of the most important members of the side, Sabbir stated that if he takes these things in mind, it will put extra pressure on him. Rather, Sabbir said he is ready to play the role according to the demand of the team. Meanwhile, the Tigers are working on their fitness and sweating it out in the camp.
Also read: Sabbir comfortable to bat at any position
Sabbir explained that these type of fitness camps work really well for them as it helps the cricketers remain fit for at least a year. “We had a fitness test last year. Every year a fitness test takes place, which lasts for around a month and that helps us to remain fit for the next year or so. We played a lot of cricket last year, I think eight to nine series' and there were no fitness camps. So this camp will help us to remain fit,” he said. Sabbir added that he is still not thinking about the fifth edition of the BPL T20, scheduled to begin on November 4 this year. Rather, the 25-year old is only focusing on the Australia Tests, followed by the tour of South Africa.