CT 2017: I always had opportunities, never converted them, rues Tamim Iqbal

Team Bangladesh came up with a spirited performance in their first match of the ICC Champions Trophy. Albeit they ended up losing to the hosts England in the game, they had a lot of positives to take from the match. One among all the key takeaways was a superlative ton from Tamim Iqbal that helped Bangladesh post a total in excess of 300. The stylish opener played with flair and elegance to set up the Bangladeshi innings.

Tamim Iqbal was unlucky to see his century being overshadowed by the knock played by Joe Root in the run chase. Despite that, the veteran southpaw has surely carved his name in the big run. In the last few months, he has been the most successful batsman for Bangladesh. He has been instrumental in taking the team to their all-time best ODI ranking of number 6.

In a conversation with ICC after the game against England, Tamim reflected back at the things that have changed over the years for him. He noted that the technique was never an issue for him. However, it was all the mental game where he was lacking. Talking to senior players and coaches helped him develop the mental aspect of the game.

“The last two years have been really good for me individually and as a team as well. I was concentrating on converting starts to big scores that count for the team. This is what I normally focus on and I was lucky enough that I have done it,” quoted Tamim Iqbal.

“Technique wasn’t an issue for me. It was more mental than technical. I normally speak to a lot of people about my game whenever I get opportunities to talk to senior cricketers, coaches and even outside (foreign) cricketers. I love to talk because I know one thing – there’s no end to learning. You need to learn, learn and learn,” he added further.

On expert advice

He further noted that he spoke to the likes of Hashim Amla and Sachin Tendulkar. Talking to those two players has helped him a lot. He remarked that he wishes to share a few words with the current Indian skipper Virat Kohli as well since Virat is the master of converting starts to big scores.

“By talking to someone like Hashim Amla, you learn a lot of things. I’ve talked to a couple of Indian cricketers as well. I’ve spoken to Sachin in the past; the way he speaks, if you get one or two things from him, that might help you to become a better cricketer because he has done it so often. I’d love to talk to Virat as well if I get an opportunity because he’s the master of converting starts to big ones,” he conceded.

On changing lifestyles

Lastly, he pointed out that he has worked a lot on his fitness. Over the years, he has been getting starts but has failed to make big scores. Now, he is keen on getting bigger numbers to his name. He conceded that he has lost a lot of weight and has become fitter now.

“Fitness was a big thing. I concentrated on fitness a lot. I lost almost 10kg in the last two years – that definitely helped. The mindset as well. I wanted to get big scores and didn’t want to throw the wicket away, but it still happens. I still get out in 50s and 60s but I try to make sure that when the opportunity comes, I make it count,” Tamim Iqbal cited.

On being a little too late

Commenting on what could have happened had he made these changes earlier, he believes that he would have surely been in a league of better and improved players then. He is still optimistic about ending up in a happy place in the years to follow.

“I could have been in a different league. The worst part is, I had that opportunity and I never converted those 70s and 80s to hundreds. If I had scored around five more centuries, by now I would have had 15-16 hundreds. But I’m just 28 and there are six-seven years to go. If I can continue what I’m doing now and convert those starts to big scores, you never know, I’ll end up in a place where I’ll be really happy,” concluded Tamim Iqbal.