Young batter Tanzid Hasan Tamim is aware of the big shoes that he has to fill as Bangladesh national cricket team prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
The 22-year-old earned his maiden call-up to the national fold with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 looming, in place of his namesake, the injured Tamim Iqbal.
Tanzid, who on many occasions in the past mentioned that he idolizes Tamim, said he is aware of the task ahead if given the opportunity.
The opening batsman has deservingly made his way into the national team riding on impressive performances, most recently in the recently held Emerging Asia Cup 2023.
The left-hander in the multi-nation competition scored 179 runs in four games, crafting three half-centuries with some aggressive batting.
Tanzid has also performed well in the domestic circuit.
In the last Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, the southpaw garnered 474 runs in 11 games with two hundreds and one fifty, at a strike of 93.3.
In his List A career so far, Tanzid has accumulated 1,271 runs across 45 trips to the crease, including seven half-centuries and three tons, at an average of 28.88.
In 34 youth One Day Internationals, the lad from Bogra has totaled 1,018 runs with one hundred and eight fifties.
“I've been hearing this for a long time [of the responsibility that I have playing in place of Tamim]. To be honest, I grew up watching him play. I got inspired to watch the game as his name was similar to mine. This is why I watched the sport more since childhood. He is an idol for me, for everyone,” said Tanzid in the sidelines of the national team camp at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Thursday.
“I try to learn a lot by watching his game, how he controls everything and plays in any situation. Definitely an inspiration. When we meet, we talk about everything.
“Of course, it [being Tamim’s replacement] holds importance. Not only my spot but every spot is important for respective players. So, I will try to give my best and keep the place.”
Bangladesh are scheduled to leave for the Asia Cup next week.
