In the last 16 years, Bangladesh had to face stronger opponents on most occasions, including world champions, but Tamim Iqbal always looked fearless, and came up with valiant attitude that often gave his batting style more elegance on the pitch.
During his initial years, it was more difficult for Bangladeshi batsmen to deal with the best bowlers of the world.
They needed a hero of their own at the top of the order which Tamim fit quite perfectly as he established himself as a role model to many in the country.
The stylish left-hander earned the support of the fans soon after his debut and became Bangladesh's most assured batter within only three years.
He carried on his authority as an opener for many more years to come.
In every format of international cricket, especially in One Day Internationals and Tests, Tamim dazzled like no other.
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Tamim was called up to the 2007 World Cup squad after playing only two matches and his spectacular six coming down the wicket against Zaheer Khan of India during an impressive group-round win where he hit 51 off 53 charmed the eyes of cricket enthusiasts.
His first international century came against Ireland the following year and that knock of 129 with a strike rate of 154.85 gave an idea how aggressive he can be in the 50-over format.
Less than one and a half years later, he hit another magnificent ton (154) against familiar foes Zimbabwe away and six months later, he scored 125 against England in Mirpur.
He got 11 more ODI centuries afterwards against opponents like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the West Indies, England, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan.
After making Test debut in 2008, Tamim accumulated 10 hundreds including some outstanding knocks like back-to-back tons (103 and 108) against England in 2010 and 151 against India in Mirpur in the same year.
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He also had a double century (206) against Pakistan in Khulna in 2015.
Beside those centuries, he also powered a total of 87 fifties in ODIs and Tests.
Considering his nature of playing style, Tamim could not shine as much in the shortest format of the game (Twenty20) where he garnered seven half-centuries and a ton against Oman in 2016.
In numerous other innings, his classic shots through the off side and trademark straight drive were always a treat to watch.
The bravery he showed against Sri Lanka during the 2018 Asia Cup in Dubai to bat at lower order with one hand as the other hand was broken helped Bangladesh clinch a memorable victory.
It redefined Tamim's commitment to the country at that time.
Things started to change earlier this year as Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan said in an interview that if a senior player doesn't perform, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha will not keep him in the team.
Tamim has not struck an ODI century since July 2021.
Also Read: List of Tamim's international centuries
The BCB boss also revealed the rift between Tamim and Shakib in the dressing room which Tamim did not take lightly.
The board however, kept faith in injured Tamim with the ODI captaincy for the ongoing Afghanistan series ahead of World Cup in India which is only three months away.
But a comment by Tamim before the first match appeared to trigger Nazmul, who criticized the opener heavily.
Despite not being fully fit, the captain said in the press conference that he was ready to play.
Team management also advised him to skip the first game but Tamim went on to play and scored 13 off 21 balls to draw further criticism.
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The BCB chief said Tamim's comment made him angry and slammed the attitude as highly unprofessional.
He added that Hathurusingha was also infuriated.
He urged the captain to make it clear what he wants.
The following day, Tamim announced his retirement from international cricket through an emotional press conference but did not clear out the key reason behind the sudden decision.
The Bangladesh cricket legend said he has been considering retirement for a long time and thought that this was the right time to call it a day.
