The Tamim puzzle for Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal only needs 84 runs to become the first-ever Bangladeshi batsman to reach 7,000 runs in ODIs. But now for some time, he has been the centre of criticism and the numbers, this time, manages to explain Tamim's recent plight.

Since the start of 2019, Tamim has managed only 466 runs in 19 innings, averaging just 24.53. His strike has also consistently been low as it was only 72.34 in 2019 and the critics' voice only rose when Tamim was out for 26 off 43 deliveries in the first match.

Tamim not only failed to convert a start but also wasted a review challenging a plumb LBW call from the umpire. This turned out to be costly for Nazmul Hossain Shanto as he was out from a wrong decision from the umpire but could not review as none were available.

But Bangladesh batting consultant Neil McKenzie believes that runs are just around the corner for Tamim as the veteran batsman is looking hungry. 

"I do not think he (Tamim) is failing day after day. You just have to look at his record to know that he is a class player. I think 'day after day' is a tough sentence. We know how many runs he has got. Runs are around the corner for a guy of his quality. He looks hungry. He is training smart. I have no worries for Tamim," the former Protea batsman said.

"Tamim knows what he needs to do. It is boiled down to the specifics. We will have a chat. We feel he needs to hit a couple more boundaries. Where he is going to get it, and what he is going to do is his approach. No one is going to bat for Tamim, he will bat for himself. I don't see it as batting too slow or too quick. We know how important he is for (setting up) the platform. We probably just want an extra shot or two in the Powerplay. He has that covered; we know what he can do." Mckenzie Added.

McKenzie insisted that Tamim knew what to do and added that he puts a lot of pressure on himself to perform.

"He knows his game plans. We are not schoolmasters here. We don't tell anybody what to learn or what to do. We give opinions, thoughts and technical advice, and then it is up to the player to implement it into his game".

Mackenzie further added, "We are not talking about a young guy. We are talking about a senior man.  Believe me, he knows it before anyone that he has made a mistake. Tamim puts a lot of pressure on himself. He values his wicket a lot. It is what has made him successful. Maybe it is about trying to loosen him up for one or two balls. If he can get one or two more boundaries, all you guys will get off his back."