I have a better strike-rate now: Tamim
His batting strike rates in 2007-2009 were all below 80, but this year, it has been the highest-ever at 107.63.
Tamim Iqbal's name has been making the news on a daily basis because of his live interviews online.
The left-handed opener who has been appointed the ODI captain of Bangladesh has gained a lot of new fans that have seen a different side of him.
In a live interview, Tamim spoke about his live shows, some career highlights and how he handles criticism, among other things.
Many fans have been critical of Tamim's cautious approach to the one they used to see early on in his career but the 31-year old would rather let the stats do the talking.
His batting strike rates in 2007-2009 were all below 80, but this year, it has been the highest-ever at 107.63.
"If you check the stats, you won't really find much of a difference. Rather you will find that both the strike rate and the average went up. What matters to me is the demand of the team. If I need to give a flying start, I try to do that. If the team wants me to bat deep, I try to do that. Fans want to see fours and sixes. But at the end of the day, we want to win. I always try to do what the team wants me to do."
Tamim explained once again the reason and the motive behind his series of live videos that he hosted with a myriad of top local and foreign and former cricketers: "I have said this many times that the only reason why I did the shows was to entertain people during this critical situation. The response I got was overwhelming and it proved that my effort was a success."
Probably the most difficult job in a cricket match is opening the batting and Tamim explained how he prepares himself ahead of a game.
"I don't like to overdo and overcomplicate things at practice. I don't think too much and I don't even practice before the match starts. I usually take my final preparations the day before the match. I don't bat for too long. But I always make sure that I visualise the match scenario and make the bowler bowl at the lengths where I think the opponents will try to attack me."
Arguably the most criticised cricketer in Bangladesh, despite being the highest run-getter for Bangladesh across all formats, Tamim explains he has learned to live with the criticism that may come his way..
"To be honest, these are all part of life. I do not complain about the love I get. So why should I be complaining about the criticism? Yes, it does not feel good when I am criticised or trolled without any valid reason. But I always welcome constructive criticism."
During England's 2010 tour of Bangladesh, Tamim played exceptionally well. In Chattogram, some words were exchanged between him and Kevin Pietersen. Tamim finally answered what was said in that conversation.
"I was batting fluently and probably scored 86 in that innings. So KP said to me, 'Batting is very easy here for you. Come to Old Trafford and we'll see how you bat.' It was nothing serious and I took it to be a sporting banter. Fortunately, I got a hundred at Lord's followed by another at Old Trafford.
Tamim added: "KP is definitely a great individual and I sought advice from him several times regarding my batting. I remember what he told me after the 2015 World Cup when I was going through a lean phase. He assured me and said, 'A cricketer's life is like a circle. Sometimes you will perform, sometimes you won't. Even the greatest of players have experienced it.'
Since 2015 Tamim improved a lot in his batting as well as his fitness and he revealed who inspired him to be fitter and who helped him during a lean patch with the bat.
The southpaw has averaged over 45 with the bat in each year from 2015 barring 2019.
"I have said this before that Virat Kohli changed my views on fitness. He is a great inspiration. But I have to mention Mushfiq's name. He inspired me a lot. It is incredible how he maintains his fitness and diet no matter what. I always say that the kids should idolise Mushfiqur Rahim. I think the biggest credit should go to our trainer Mario Villavarayan.
And from a batting point of view, Chandika Hathurusingha helped me a lot. And I always consult Salahuddin Sir (Mohammad Salahuddin) whenever I am in a spot of bother."
Tamim has so far opened the innings with 24 partners in his career. Only Chris Gayle of West Indies has opened with more players. When asked if he had a favourite partner, he picked more than one.
"It's difficult to say one name. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. I have opened with Imrul (Kayes) in 108 innings. Liton (Das), Soumya (Sarkar)- they all are equally good. But I think if I had a settled opening partner, things would be better and easier for me and the team."
The interview once again showed a new, more open, honest but confident Tamim, something that has been a hallmark in his live interviews - as guest and host.
The journey ahead will not be an easy one with Bangladesh cricket in transition, especially as ODI captain, but he seems more than ready to deal with the bumpy road ahead.