'Our only way to respond is on the field' | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Home
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • World+Biz
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Book Review
    • Brands
    • Earth
    • Explorer
    • Fact Check
    • Family
    • Food
    • Game Reviews
    • Good Practices
    • Habitat
    • Humour
    • In Focus
    • Luxury
    • Mode
    • Panorama
    • Pursuit
    • Wealth
    • Wellbeing
    • Wheels
  • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Videos
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • COVID-19
    • Games
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Podcast
    • Quiz
    • Tech
    • Trial By Trivia
    • Magazine
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Tuesday
May 30, 2023

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • World+Biz
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Book Review
    • Brands
    • Earth
    • Explorer
    • Fact Check
    • Family
    • Food
    • Game Reviews
    • Good Practices
    • Habitat
    • Humour
    • In Focus
    • Luxury
    • Mode
    • Panorama
    • Pursuit
    • Wealth
    • Wellbeing
    • Wheels
  • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Videos
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • COVID-19
    • Games
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Podcast
    • Quiz
    • Tech
    • Trial By Trivia
    • Magazine
  • বাংলা
TUESDAY, MAY 30, 2023
'Our only way to respond is on the field'

Sports

Shams Rahman
16 July, 2020, 10:20 am
Last modified: 16 July, 2020, 12:50 pm

Related News

  • Bangladesh to get $100,000 from World Test Championship: ICC
  • Bangladesh's training for Afghanistgan Test to start from 29 May
  • Stats: Why Shakib Al Hasan is a one-of-a-kind Test cricketer
  • Afghanistan to tour Bangladesh twice to play in same series
  • Shanto feels ODI series win over Ireland will help Bangladesh do well in the World Cup

'Our only way to respond is on the field'

Saifuddin said that criticism was part of life as a sportsperson and their only way to respond was on the field.

Shams Rahman
16 July, 2020, 10:20 am
Last modified: 16 July, 2020, 12:50 pm
Bangladesh all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin. Photo: BCB
Bangladesh all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin. Photo: BCB

Bangladesh had longed for a fast-bowling all-rounder for quite some time. And after a long wait, Bangladesh found Mohammad Saifuddin. Capable with both the bat and bowl, Saifuddin has managed to make himself an important part of the national setup with his recent performances. He was one of Bangladesh's best performers in the 2019 World Cup, where he picked up 14 wickets. 

His career was thwarted by a back injury but he has managed to survive that and has returned to the national side. During this lockdown, The Business Standard's Shams Rahman spoke with Saifuddin about his time at home and different aspects of his career. 

TBS: How are you spending your time at home?

I had seasonal fever some days back, for 10-12 days. I was afraid a little about whether it was Covid-19. But I did not have any symptoms. Except for those 10-12 days, I worked on my fitness, practised and was also doing net practice in the school field here. If cricket resumes, I cannot just practise for a day and go back, especially when I am a seamer. So for whenever cricket returns, I am staying prepared. 

TBS: You recently posted on your Facebook page that you had lost 4 kgs in weight. What was your fitness regime? 

I did what I do normally. I followed my regular schedule and controlled my food intake. I am trying to maintain a routine. I have my dinner by 8pm and try to keep it light. I eat protein-based foods mostly and avoid fat-based ones. 

TBS: How tough is it for you to live without cricket for more than three months? 

It is very tough. It has taken away a year from my life. I may aim to play for Bangladesh for 8-10 years, but a year is gone from my life. But we have to accept the reality. Nobody can do anything about it. We have already lost thousands of people to coronavirus. Life comes first and then cricket. I feel bad when I have to stay off the field for a long time but nothing can be done and I am waiting for the situation to improve. 

TBS: Do you have any personal plans for the World T20? 

Yes, I do. I am preparing for the World T20 from now as it is still on schedule. If the World T20 happens on time, there is not much time left. I am hopeful the main preparation will be the DPL once normal services resume. So, I am preparing for the DPL and World T20. 

TBS: Will Bangladesh have any advantages if the World T20 is postponed and Shakib al Hasan returns? 

Definitely. There will be a lot of benefits. I don't think there is much to say. Everyone knows how important Shakib bhai is to the team. We will be stronger in every department. But everything is dependent on what will happen next. 

TBS: You recently invited Shakib Al Hasan to a challenge. How did this idea cross your mind?  

It came to me suddenly. I always think of my net batting or bowling as a game scenario and try out this two-over game with players at Feni. The position I bat in for the national side, I often face situations where I have to score 20-22 runs off the last two overs. But the players here are not as skilled as international bowlers. If I play this game with them, I win eight times out of ten. 

When you take up a challenge, you have to take it against world-class players. I think like that. And as I talk with Shakib bhai often, I challenged him to take 22 runs off my bowling in two overs. If I can win this challenge, it will boost my confidence. So, I asked him to play with me in the nets once he returns home. Maybe I will change my plan and play it on the centre wicket at Mirpur in a match situation. So, when Shakib bhai will bat I will take 10 of the best Bangladeshi fielders and bowl to him. Even if I lose, it will be a very good learning curve for me. But as it is a challenge, I want to win it and I will try my best to do so. 

TBS: There were some controversial reports about you during the World Cup (Some media reported at the time that he was reluctant to face bigger teams). How did you feel after reading those?

What is gone is gone, I don't want to talk about it. Whatever I say now doesn't matter. I am focusing on doing something good in the future. Our only way to reply is on the field. We will be appreciated if we play well and a lot of things will be said if we don't. There will be criticism of a sportsperson, it is a part of life. It has been a year and I don't like talking about the past. 

TBS: You almost took Bangladesh to victory against India in the World Cup but Bumrah dismissed Rubel and Mustafiz to win the match. How difficult was it to see that from the other end? 

It was very difficult. It becomes even more difficult when you are in pain but cannot cry. I felt like crying but I managed to put my emotions on hold. I controlled myself 10 minutes after going into the washroom, in the dressing room. If I had won that match, it would have been one of the best achievements of my life. I was blaming myself for giving them the strike. But there is no point in dwelling in the past. Now I think of how I can handle these situations better. 

TBS: You were out with an injury for quite some time after the World Cup. What kept you going at that time? 

I missed the BPL very much. Everyone was playing, posting stuff on social media. I was feeling very distraught seeing those because I could not play. When you are going through a rough patch for a couple of matches, you have the opportunity to come back to form. But injury takes that chance away. So, it is very tough to stay out because of an injury. I was feeling very distraught and my pain only subdued after I went on a tour to Bandarban with my friends. Then slowly, I adjusted myself to the situation. 

TBS: You have been considered a death over specialist since your Under-19 days. What kind of work do you do on your death bowling? 

It is difficult to bowl in the death with one or two skills because the batsman will pick you easily. To bowl in death overs, you must have a vast armoury to play mind games with the batsman. The more options you have, the easier it is to fool the batsman. As the wickets are getting more and more batting-friendly, the more skilled I am, the better. 

I communicate with Shrinivas (Chandrashekaran), our national team analyst regularly. I watch the videos of good death bowlers. As I have a lot of time now, I am working on that. I don't want to say what ball I am working on, but I am working on one.  

TBS: New ball or the old ball - which one do you enjoy more? 

It is difficult to choose because I enjoy both. You can never be successful if you don't enjoy it. If you ask me to choose, I would say that I am comfortable with both and enjoy them. 

TBS: Are you working on increasing your speed? 

I hit 138 kph in the previous BPL. I believe I can bowl at 140 kph but my injury is a barrier there. So, I have adjusted myself to bowling with control at low 130s. 

TBS: How has working with Courtney Walsh helped you? 

I worked with him in the World Cup and the tri-series before that. We did not do anything special together as we did not have any skill camps. He told us about his experiences, gave us some tips, I tried to follow them. Now Ottis Gibson is the coach but I haven't really worked with him individually. I didn't have the opportunity of working individually with anyone. I try to work on the lessons they give us, the ones I feel good about. 

TBS: How soon do you want to get into the Test side?

Every player dreams of playing Tests. I also have that dream but my injury is a thorn in my path. I am very worried about my injury. If I rush too much trying to play Tests, I will miss the two formats I am currently playing. Which will be a loss for both me and Bangladesh. 

TBS: Do you want to bat a bit up the order? 

Everyone has that wish but the batting order is set by the team management, based on the situation. If I can bat well in my current position then I might get opportunities in the future. 

TBS: How eager are you to play under Tamim's captaincy?

I am the happiest among the bowlers to have him as skipper. He understands me the most and trusts me a lot. I am also very happy as a senior player from my division has become the captain. 

TBS: Your favourite performance for Bangladesh? 

My first ODI fifty against Zimbabwe. I was out of the team for almost a year. Bangladesh were in a tight spot that day and me and Imrul (Kayes) bhai put up a stand together. That match was very important for me. If I didn't play that knock, I wouldn't have become a permanent figure in the national side. That fifty was a turning point in my life. First international fifty is very special for any player and it was for me as well. 

TBS: Who is your bowling idol? 

There are a few. I like Waqar Younis very much. There is also Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee. But if I had to choose, I would choose Waqar. 

TBS: Your favourite wicket so far?

Virat Kohli's wicket in the World Cup practice match. 

Cricket

Mohammad Saifuddin / Bangladesh Cricket Team / Shakib al Hasan

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Priority on fighting inflation, funding projects
    Priority on fighting inflation, funding projects
  • Private credit growth hits 13-month low in April
    Private credit growth hits 13-month low in April
  • DSA may scare away potential investors: UN special rapporteur
    DSA may scare away potential investors: UN special rapporteur

MOST VIEWED

  • Watch: MS Dhoni's vintage stumping ends Shubman Gill's sparkling innings in IPL final
    Watch: MS Dhoni's vintage stumping ends Shubman Gill's sparkling innings in IPL final
  • Photo: IPL
    Sai Sudharsan's 96 in IPL final draws praise from Tendulkar
  • Photo: Reuters
    Racist abuse of players is getting worse, says Stephens
  • Photo: AFP
    Emi Martinez set to visit Bangladesh and India from 3-5 July
  • Photo: BCB
    Mahmudullah granted leave by BCB to perform Hajj, to miss ODI series against Afghanistan
  • FILE PHOTO: Football - Champions League - Group B - Crvena Zvezda v Tottenham Hotspur - Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia - November 6, 2019 Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino applauds the fans after the match. Reuters
    Mauricio Pochettino appointed Chelsea manager

Related News

  • Bangladesh to get $100,000 from World Test Championship: ICC
  • Bangladesh's training for Afghanistgan Test to start from 29 May
  • Stats: Why Shakib Al Hasan is a one-of-a-kind Test cricketer
  • Afghanistan to tour Bangladesh twice to play in same series
  • Shanto feels ODI series win over Ireland will help Bangladesh do well in the World Cup

Features

An exquisite symphony of flavours awaits in the heart of Old Dhaka, as this vegetarian ensemble takes centre stage, showcasing the rich heritage of traditional cuisine. Photo: Noor-A-Alam

Jagannath Bhojonaloy: Vegetarianism, the traditional way

13h | Food
Inside Airbus's mega plan to develop the aviation ecosystem in Bangladesh

Inside Airbus's mega plan to develop the aviation ecosystem in Bangladesh

15h | Panorama
How women's purchasing power is altering market dynamics

How women's purchasing power is altering market dynamics

14h | Panorama
Media companies are rushing to capture the youngest market of news consumers in the misplaced hope that this will ensure their survival. Photo: Bloomberg

News firms are too obsessed with wooing the young

14h | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

Erdogan prevails in election test

Erdogan prevails in election test

6h | TBS World
Why AB turns its focus on agri from corporate lending?

Why AB turns its focus on agri from corporate lending?

8h | Corporate Talks
Sword of Tipu Sultan sold in auction

Sword of Tipu Sultan sold in auction

9h | TBS World
Who will be the champion if rain washes out reserve day?

Who will be the champion if rain washes out reserve day?

9h | TBS SPORTS

Most Read

1
End of zero tax!
NBR

End of zero tax!

2
Photo: TBS
Energy

Wind power feeds national grid for first time Friday

3
File Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin/TBS
Bangladesh

Low-cost housing planned for 4 lakh Bangabandhu Shilpa Nagar workers

4
Cenbank prints Tk70,000cr new money in 11 months to support nat'l budget
Budget

Cenbank prints Tk70,000cr new money in 11 months to support nat'l budget

5
File Photo: UNB
Bangladesh

US govt's new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam

6
Govt to double gain tax on land, flat registration
Budget

Govt to double gain tax on land, flat registration

EMAIL US
[email protected]
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2023
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - [email protected]

For advertisement- [email protected]