DHAKA, Oct 15, 2018 (BSS) – Batting all-rounder Fazle Rabbi reluctant to
try something new in a bid to prove himself on his first call-up into the
national team as he vowed to continue to his natural game that gave him the
success abundance in the domestic level.
Rabbi who had to wait a prolong 14 years to get his first national call up
since his List A debut in 2004, said that he has nothing to prove at this
level after playing cricket so many years.
“Just at the moment I am thinking about my performance,” Rabbi told the
pressmen as Tigers began their preparation for the series against Zimbabwe at
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. “I have been playing cricket so many
years so I think I have already proved myself at this level. I can’t do
anything new at the moment (with regards to technique and other aspects of
the game). I will try to do what I know my best in the upcoming series.”
Rabbi’s selection marked a noteworthy shift in the selectors’ line of
thinking in a country where players are considered old to represent the
country after touching the 30-year mark.
His inclusion is nothing short of surprise in that aspect. Team management
had already hinted that he is almost sure to make his debut in the three-
match ODI series as they want to experiment with some new players, keeping
the World Cup and other overseas series in mind.
Shakib Al Hasan’s injury basically was pivotal in giving him the chance in
the national team, although Rabbi, considered as batting all-rounder said it
was not his job to replace the world’s best all-rounder. “The role is alright
but it is not possible for anyone to take Shakib bhai’s place,” he said.
“Mainly, I am a batting all-rounder and I love to bat. But I do bowl when the
team needs me. If required, I will play that role for the side. It’s not
about taking Shakib’s place but about trying to do what I can manage.”
Rabbi was seen to come in the practice session as the last man, which
raised an eye-brow given his first day of practice session with the national
team but the soft spoken man, in a personal encounter, later cleared the air.
“Mashrafe Bin Mortaza talked to me for a while,” he said without
elaborating but upon insistence he revealed the fact. “He told me that the
team management would back me to play all the matches in the series. He
advised me to play my natural game and insisted not to change my style of
batting.” Sharing the national team’s dressing room was quite an experience,
said the man who some years ago decided to give up cricket to focus on a
different profession.
“Honestly speaking I am 30. I have seen lots of ups and down in my career
and there were times when I wanted to quit but somehow cricket did not allow
me to do so. I am fortunate that my wait is over (to join the national team)
or you can say my journey starts now,” he said.
“Sharing the dressing room with national stars is quite an experience.
They all know their roles very well and what they are required to do. I am
observing and trying to learn. The players in the dressing room are very
serious and that inspired me a lot,” he added.