Bangladesh is yet to secure a Test victory against both India and South Africa. After their historic series win against Pakistan, now they have the opportunity to end the victory drought against India as well. Preparation in the Tigers’ camp is in full swing, and the Indians are not sitting idle either.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are doing everything they can to fine-tune their skills. Emerging star Zakir Ali Anik has hinted at making history in this series, especially in the batting department. The Bangladeshi wicketkeeper-batsman has expressed confidence in the team’s collective strength.
Speaking to the media yesterday, Zakir Ali Anik said, “Since the last series went well, we will carry that confidence into the India series. This year, we will try to achieve what we have never done before as a team.” He is well aware that the opposition is a formidable Test side, and added, “There will be challenges from all sides. Their batting is very strong. If we can bat well, we’ll have a chance. In the last two Tests, we performed well, especially with the bat. We tend to struggle with batting—when it doesn’t go well, we lose control of the match. Our bowlers generally provide support. If we bat well, things will be easier for us.”
Zakir, who has been called up for the national Test team for the first time, shared his excitement, saying, “It’s definitely a great feeling. Everyone dreams of playing Test cricket. Being selected for the national team feels good. I’ve been playing first-class cricket since 2017. Whether domestic or any other format, I always try to perform well. I follow a process.
Since I’ve been selected, the selectors must have thought I was ready. Now it’s my responsibility to deliver my best performance. We are, of course, planning against the Indian bowlers, and I will try to play according to the plan. It will be a challenge, but if I can score runs amidst the challenges, I believe something great will come out of it.”
Zakir also added, “I mentioned a few days ago that the series we just won, where we dominated and won two matches, is certainly a sign of changing the culture. And yes, it feels good to get the opportunity in the team. I will try to give my best.”
He further expressed, “First-class cricket is very important for us. It hurts me when people call it ‘picnic cricket.’ It’s very painful. We know how much effort we put in as cricketers. So please don’t say such things. It makes me very sad. I’ve been playing first-class cricket since 2017, and I know how hard it has been. Every run I scored came with immense effort.
So, I request everyone to understand. As cricketers, we work very hard, and we will continue to work harder. Our first-class cricket is improving day by day, and it will continue to improve.”
Regarding domestic coaches, Zakir said, “In the past few days of practice, Sohail sir and Babul sir have worked very hard. They’ve worked in two shifts, observing our red-ball cricket during the day and white-ball cricket in the evening. The amount of effort they put in is evident, and it goes unnoticed. The contribution of domestic coaches is often thankless. I don’t want to single out anyone, but everyone has played a role. I’ve worked with all of them since I was young. They know every little detail about us, and it’s always beneficial to work closely with them.”
