On his 29th birthday today, Sabbir Rahman also completed his six years in international cricket, having first represented Bangladesh back in 2014.
He was rated very highly as an electrifying fielder with a penchant for attacking mindset with the bat and ability to play effortlessly against quality fast bowling.
Then skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, backed Sabbir for the national set-up but the cricketer from Rajshahi has not been able to perform consistently despite having all the attributes to become the next big thing for the Tigers.
Over the years Sabbir got the opportunity across all the three formats for Bangladesh but the cricketer couldn’t live up to the expectations as his average remained in the mid-twenties and more importantly he was unable to take on the responsibilities given to him.
Apart from his on-field performances, Sabbir also got engaged in quite a few off the field controversies every now and then over the years which got him the tag of in disciplined cricketer.
With the upcoming Bangabandhu T20 Cup starting after two days, where Sabbir is to feature for Beximco Dhaka, he is eyeing to develop himself as a better cricketer. According to the 29-year-old, he is still young but also matured enough to right the wrongs he made of the last three to four years.
“Obviously all the players were waiting for this tournament. It’s a very important tournament for all of us who play the Bangladesh Premier League, Dhaka League or First Class cricket. At the same time, for those who are not in the national team, it’s a huge opportunity to make a comeback. I am trying my best and working hard, let’s see what happens.
“Look I am still young, still matured. I am trying to realise and bring that back in me which was not there in the last three-four years. I think I am well-matured now and I think I should also remain calm and do my work. Overall, I will try to play well,” Sabbir told the media yesterday.
For Sabbir, it was also true that the right hander did not get a settled batting position in international cricket for Bangladesh, where his batting order revolved from number three to six.
But regardless of that, Sabbir informed that he is ready to bat in any order and even open the innings if the team wants and expressed his willingness to take his game to the next level in the coming days.
“Definitely I have to play one level better from here on. Suppose if I am getting out on 30-40 or 60-70, I think if I am able to score a hundred from that position it will certainly increase my level. From that point if I can take my game one step further it will help me to become better,” he said.