This isn’t the first time Tanzid Tamim has found himself lost only to rediscover his game. Can he do it again? After Bangladesh announced the squad for the ODI series against the West Indies, the opener sounded confident, suggesting he’s in a better place mentally.
For Tanzid, his struggles with the bat are rooted in mental challenges. He believes overcoming this will enable him to become a dependable opener for the team. His form has become crucial for Bangladesh, especially after Tamim Iqbal, the nation’s greatest opener, stepped away from cricket. Many see Tanzid as the next Tamim, a potential he showcased during the 2020 U-19 World Cup.
However, his international career so far hasn’t reflected that promise. In 18 ODIs, Tanzid has scored just 307 runs at an average of 18.05, with only two fifties. His recent performances, including the series against Afghanistan where he scored 3, 22, and 19, highlight his inconsistency.
Despite this, the team continues to trust him, evident from the opportunities he has received since his debut at the Asia Cup last year. Tanzid has had various opening partners, from Mohammad Naim and Litton Das to Zakir Hasan and Soumya Sarkar, but he has remained a regular presence.
Tanzid has shown the ability to bounce back before. After a slump in domestic cricket, he turned things around in the 2022 Dhaka Premier League, scoring two centuries and a fifty with a strike rate of 93.30. His standout performances in the Emerging Asia Cup last year further cemented his potential, leading to his ODI debut.
So, what’s holding him back now? Tanzid himself attributes it to a lack of responsibility and mental discipline. “I think I need to be more responsible. I’ve had good starts in most innings but failed to carry on. From now, I’ll try to turn those starts into big innings,” he said, addressing the media after the squad announcement.
He emphasized the mental aspect of his struggles: “It’s mostly a mental issue. If I go in with a solid game plan and the right mindset, I can carry on after good starts. The shots I’ve gotten out playing were more about mental lapses than skill gaps. We work on the technical aspects regularly, but the right balance between mind and skill is crucial for big innings.”
A strong opening partnership could be key for Bangladesh in the upcoming series. Tanzid himself is optimistic: “The first match is vital. If we start with a win, we can carry that momentum throughout the series and assess where we stand at the end.”
The ODI series, starting on December 8, will also see Mehidy Hasan Miraz leading the team as full-time captain for the first time. Tanzid, like others, has high hopes for his leadership: “He has led in several series before and is very experienced. I hope he’ll give his best to help us win the series.”
The three ODIs will be played in St. Kitts on December 8, 10, and 12. Bangladesh, under a new captain, is eager for a fresh start, and Tanzid Tamim is determined to make it count.
