Soumya Sarkar reveals how Wasim Jaffer helped him regain his form ahead of 2019 World Cup

Ahead of 2019 World Cup, Bangladesh’s Soumya Sarkar bounced back in form by smashing a double hundred against Skeikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and proved his worth all again. He smashed an unbeaten 208-run knock to help Abahani Limited clinch their 20th Dhaka Premier League and in the process, he even silenced his doubters ahead of the marquee event.

In a recent Facebook live session, Sarkar revealed how Abahani’s experienced overseas campaigner, Wasim Jaffer, helped him overcome his poor run of form. As Jaffer plays spin very well, Sarkar requested to do one or two sessions with the Indian veteran. The Bangladesh opener also revealed that Jaffer, after coming back from the hotel, used to advise him about playing against spin and pace.

‘I had three sessions with him personally’: Soumya Sarkar

“I used to see him [Wasim] batting, he plays spin very well, he gets a lot of time to play. One day during a practice I asked Sujon Bhai that I want to talk with him or want to do one or two sessions with him. Sujon Bhai told me that no problem I’ll tell him about it.

Then I had three sessions with him personally to practice in the academy field. He used to come from the hotel and suggested me about how to play against spin and also for pace,’’ Soumya told Cricfrenzy during a Facebook live session.

“As I told earlier that you have to believe in that person while taking advice. He told me good things but I have to see that if I can take that thing or it will go with me or not or with my playing style,” he added.

Sarkar also revealed that he wasn’t able to adapt to Jaffer’s advice and changes in the first two days in the nets. It wasn’t going down well with Sarkar and hence, he used to play in his own batting style during the match. When Jaffer asked Sarkar about the same, the Bangladesh international told the Indian veteran to let his batting style be the same. He also insisted Jaffer to give him a green signal from outside during the game.

“So, I tried in the first two days in the net but it wasn’t going with me. Also, I wasn’t able to confront him about it that it’s actually not going with me, so, what can I do. I didn’t get that courage to say. So, when I play in the match I used to play in my own batting style.

Then he used to say what are you doing, I have told you one style and you’re playing another and I also couldn’t tell him that Jaffer Bhai it’s not going with me, I’m not comfortable with it. In the next match, I told him, Jaffer Bhai let the batting style be the same you just give me a signal from the outside, I will get the signal just by hearing your voice and I will remember,” revealed Sarkar.