Tamim went through mental pressure during lockdown
Spending his time in lockdown and health concerns regarding his family had led Tamim falling prey to mental pressure during the last few months.
Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal, like the others, had to stay at home during the whole lockdown. The only time he went out was to fly to London for medical attention. And spending his time like this had led Tamim falling prey to mental pressure, Tamim informed after joining the individual training on Sunday.
Bangladeshi cricketers had started individual training in seven venues across the country for the last month or so. Tamim and Mustafizur Rahman were the latest to join as they joined on Sunday. Tamim could have started earlier but he had to stay in obligatory quarantine for 14 days since his return from the trip to London.
On his second day of training on Monday, Tamim did some running in the Mirpur ground and then some gym work. Later on from 11 am to 11:45 am, Tamim did some batting practice in the Mirpur Indoor Stadium.
"These 3-4 months were very difficult. We were at home, with our families, I went through a mental pressure during this time. I could not get out of my house. Generally, we get a break of 7-8 days after a tour, we spend it to go somewhere or do something. But that was not possible during this time," Tamim said.
Not just himself but his family's well being kept Tamim concerned during this time. Tamim's elder brother Nafees Iqbal, his wife and their mother were infected by Covid-19. Tamim said, "My family members were concerned about health issues during these four months. These four months were extremely difficult. Finally, the thing we like, sports, has returned which is a very good thing."
Tamim had thought that he forgot to bat after such a long break. But that is not the case as he said, "I have started training after almost 4-5 months. Surprisingly, I was not as disappointed with my batting as I thought that I would be. My batting is almost alright."
Tamim also added that he was in good shape because of working on his fitness at his home during this lockdown.
"I am in pretty good shape. But working at home and on the ground is very different. Maybe it will take a week to adjust," the left-handed opener added.
Tamim also said that the sessions conducted by psychologist Ali Khan, arranged by BCB, helped him during the time when he was under mental pressure.
"BCB had arranged some sessions for us in these four months so that we are in a good place mentally. Personally, I took part in a couple of these sessions and it helped me a lot. But as I said, these four months were very difficult," said the ODI skipper.
Tamim has gone through a troubled period and he wants to get to a good place mentally before the Tigers' tour to Sri Lanka.
"We have to ensure that we are in a good place mentally after coming out of this troubled time. Because we have an important tour ahead of us and I believe that we have the opportunity of doing well," Tamim added.
