It's hard for me to play when Shakib does, have accepted that: Taijul Islam

Taijul Islam, the Bangladeshi left-arm spinner, is looking to be a part of the Test series against Sri Lanka as all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan contracted with Covid-19, which ruled him out of the series opener. Taijul’s start to his career has been a little discouraging, given that he has been neglected not because of his form but because of squad combinations.

Taijul’s performance in the South Africa series was brilliant, but his team ended on the losing side even when he bagged a five-wicket haul. He also became the fastest Bangladeshi player to reach the 150-wickets landmark in Test, thereby breaking Shakib’s record. However, he accepted the fact that he would not get a chance if Shakib is a part of the side.

”I don’t think about all these things (getting dropped despite performing). I know it is hard for me to play when Shakib Bhai is playing or when the condition is favorable to pace bowlers. It is a reality and I have accepted it,” Taijul told Cricbuzz.

“I play cricket and I earn money. Not getting picked is not the end of everything. I love the game. What is my job? I am representing my country and whenever I am required I should be ready to come forward and play for the country. I don’t like negativity to enter my head,. All I think is that whenever I will get a chance I will try to give my best,” he added.

Difficult to be successful after playing with gaps: Taijul Islam

The ace spinner said that the number of wickets do not matter if the team ends up losing. He also revealed that it is not easy for a player or a team to perform when they play after long gaps.

”I am not feeling anything different (becoming the fastest to reach 150 Test wickets). I am getting five wickets… but for me helping the team to win is very important and how much I am contributing behind those successes. I feel good when the team wins on the back of my performances,” he stated.

He feels his success with the ball is not contributing to the team’s victory as Bangladesh is unable to win matches, adding that the team will win matches if they get opportunities regularly.

”It’s true that it’s difficult to be successful after playing with gaps but my success is not helping the team as we are not being able to win matches. Spinners from other countries are helping them to win matches and I feel if we play continuously we will be able to do that,” he said.