Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal spoke to the media about his recent Test series performance in Sri Lanka, his batting, playing style and team’s status. He also responded to critics who questioned his strike rate in the limited-edition cricket.
Is the tendency to play shots just for the Test or can it be seen in other formats as well?
Tamim Iqbal: It doesn't matter which format; I like to play shots all the time. But in Test cricket when you play shots it creates a value because there are a lot of gaps due to the fielding position. On the other hand, there are many players in the circle in ODIs and T20s. Usually my attitude to play shots remain the same but at the same time I understand which format I am playing.
Usually, I judge it by how the pitch behaves. When I see grass or movement on the wicket I try to attack. I know I can get out in any of the good deliveries. So, if I can score some boundaries, the opponent is forced to go back. I sit down with the coach before the series and say I will stay positive because I understand what kind of wickets are coming.
However, it helps my team when it works and sometimes it doesn’t work and I get out. I think I should score more runs. But whatever it is I enjoy my batting.
In the last 14 Tests, you did not get a century even after crossing the fifty-run mark six times. You have not scored a century in the last six innings of ODIs even after scoring three fifties. Your century number could have exceeded 15, don't you regret it?
Tamim: Maybe more (the number of centuries would have exceeded). If I say Test and ODI together, I have lost a lot of opportunities. Most of the time I played wrong shots, sometimes maybe the deliveries were good. I have nothing but regret for this. However, it would not be good to think about it all day. I'm disappointed to miss these centuries but the good thing is I'm still playing. I will try to do it again if the opportunity arises. I can't be proud of the record of missing out centuries.
What will you say to those people who question your strike rate?
Tamim: I can't make everyone happy. My team, players and coaches know what value I am adding. But those who are doing research and criticizing. I would just tell them to go and check the statistics. I don't want to answer.
[In the last five years, Tamim has been in the top ten among the world's openers in ODIs, scoring 2739 runs at an average of 51.67. However, Tamim's strike rate (78.68) is the lowest among them.
