Sakib Khondoker
Tamim Iqbal Khan. More commonly known as Tamim Iqbal, is an integral part of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team. This hard-hitting left-handed maestro made his International Cricket Debut against India in the ICC World Cup 2007.
Since then Tamim Iqbal has been an indispensable member of the side.
The ruthless batsman from Chittagong got his big break on his very first match against India and scored 51 runs of just 53 deliveries. The most vivid memory of that match would be him coming down the wicket and hitting the then one of the best bowlers present in the circuit; Irfan Pathan over his head for a huge six. That six would be called as a warning to the cricketing fraternity of the arrival of Tamim Iqbal is still present in the minds of every cricketing fan in the country.
Since his debut, Tamim has broken each and every batting record and is the highest run getter in all the three formats for his country. On Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies in July and August 2009, Tamim scored his maiden Test century. Since then he has made 7 Test centuries along with 18 half centuries.
During the first innings of the first Test against England in March 2010, Tamim scored 86 runs from 120 balls. In the process he became the fastest Bangladeshi batsman to reach 1,000 Test runs in terms of innings, taking 19 to reach the landmark. He also became the third youngest (behind Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Ashraful) to do so. The same year he scored two consecutive centuries in two tests, even though for a losing cause. But this historic performance propelled him to the next level as he was named Wisden’s Test player of the year. But we, the people often forget everything he has achieved and only focus on his dark times.
The brutal reality is, even after all these performances and contributions for his country, the former Vice Captain has often been exposed to criticism. There also have been times when the integrity of the selectors have been questioned by the cricketing community for showing faith in the man even after his poor run of form in the past couple of years.
Yes, Tamim Iqbal hasn’t done justice to his potential and unlimited amount of talent. Yes, he has had phases in which he couldn’t perform and contribute for his nation.
But we, the fans should always remember, “There’s always light at the end of the tunnel”.
And that light is the brightest of them all. That light, that hope, is the man himself. Tamim Iqbal Khan. He has faced all the criticism, the bad times, and survived. He has kept fighting. For himself, for his country. We, as his followers and fans can atleast give him support and encourage his efforts. Because, he is undoubtedly the best opening batsman we have ever produced.
In addition, we can see that time and time again. We can see that NOW. His runs speak for themselves. I will not get down to statistics again.
I’ll say this, that a man’s integrity and heart is only as strong as his will and determination to face every dark side and fight through it to evolve and become better. Better than he has ever been. This is the story of such a man.
This is the evolution of Tamim Iqbal Khan.