Was told that I won't be ready for Rohit Sharma: Tanzim Sakib before IND vs BAN

Tanzim Sakib revealed how everyone once told him that he was too new to be able to bowl at someone like Rohit Sharma. Nonetheless, his first international scalp was that of Rohit in Asia Cup 2023.

In Short

• Rohit Sharma became Tanzim Sakib's maiden international wicket
• The pacer is part of Bangladesh's squad for T20Is vs India
• 1st T20I match will be played on October 6 in Gwalior

Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Sakib reflected on his maiden international wicket, which was none other than the prized scalp of Team India captain Rohit Sharma. Tanzim revealed that everyone told him that he was too new to be able to bowl at a batter like Rohit Sharma. The 21-year-old made his debut during the Asia Cup 2023 match between India and Bangladesh in Colombo last year. Rohot departed for a two-ball duck and, despite Shubman Gill's hundred, India lost the match by six runs. Tanzim got his first-ever international wicket in his very first over and he also dismissed Tilak Varma to end with match figures of 32/2 in 7.5 overs.

"It was my debut match and Rohit Sharma was the opponent or there was Team India," he recalled. "Actually, to be honest, I didn't think of that for once. I was told that I am new I won't be ready for Rohit Sharma. But I was sure that I will play with my strength. If I can bowl at the right places and can make the new ball swing it will put any batter in trouble. I thought about what strength I have and tried to utilize that in the field, I didn't think about who the opponent was," Tanzim told Cricbuzz.

Tanzim must be high on confidence, especially after his exploits for Bangladesh in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. He was Bangladesh's best-performing fast bowler in the tournament with 11 wickets at an average of 13.54, and a career-best bowling performance of 4 for 7 against Nepal.
Initially, he was not even a part of the first-choice pace attack during the T20 World Cup. Tanzim earned his spot following Shoriful Islam's injury. Tanzim revealed his mindset while bowling.

"A good ball is a good ball for everyone"

"I keep one thing in mind that a good ball is a good ball for everyone. Doesn't matter if he is the number one batter or a domestic level cricketer, a good ball is a good ball for any batter. I always try to deliver my best ball," he said.

After an inconsistent run, Tanzim is on course to become a regular in Bangladesh's T20I side as he is part of the squad for the three-match T20I series against India.