Bangladesh lower-order batsman Sabbir Rahman has made a terrific start to his limited-over career. Since his one-day international debut in November 2014, Sabbir has been able to establish himself in the Tigers’ set-up with his powerful batting, handy spin and electrical fielding in the 20 ODIs and eight international Twenty20s he fared in.
The 23-year-old Rajshahi lad however, does not want his talents to be limited in the shorter versions only. The right-hander wants to feature in the Test arena too, a circuit which determines the toughness of a cricketer.
While talking with the media yesterday at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Sabbir informed his target of breaking into the Tigers’ Test side and staying there for as long as possible with consistent displays.
People call you a limited-over specialist due to your playing style. But your recent performances, including an unbeaten 122 against India last month, indicate that you are trying to change your image.
I have played a lot of ODIs and T20Is for Bangladesh. Now, I am ready to be a part of the Test team also. I am working hard on that aim, if you ask me. I am trying to set my mindset for longer-format cricket and follow how the senior cricketers approach and start an innings in the format. I start playing my shots right from the first ball but I am trying to change that in the longer-version. I now try to watch the first 10-20 balls and then start swinging the bat.
You entered the national team along with some other rookies and many of them have already gone on to play a few Tests. Are you in a race against time at the moment?
No. I am not in a hurry. My aim is to sustain in the Test team, if I am given the opportunity. I do not want to hurry myself and hamper the preparation process. I do not want to be called up and thrown out of the side quickly due to bad performances.
Ahead of Zimbabwe’s visit to Bangladesh this November for two Test matches, you will get the opportunity to play a few longer-version matches when the A team tour South Africa and Zimbabwe later this month. Are you eyeing a spot in the Test side through some consistent performances in Africa?
I think the opportunity is huge for me and a few others trying to get into the Test squad. I have played three-day matches during the A team’s tour of India last month. I have played some NCL (National Cricket League) matches and now will get to play in South Africa and Zimbabwe. My aim will be to try to perform in the matches I get the chance to play. The decision of including me in the team will solely depend on the national selectors but my job will be to perform.
Have you set any personal goals for the upcoming A team’s tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe?
Not really. Actually, I am not into setting goals because I tend to fail whenever I set goals. I will just try to play my game, the way I have always done and contribute for the team.
