“I want to shift my concentration more on bowling than on batting”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Sabbir Rahman has struggled with the bat as of late, but he is hoping to transform himself into an all-rounder to prove that he can still be an asset for Bangladesh.

In the recently concluded Champions Trophy, Sabbir only managed to muster 59 runs at a disappointing average of 14.75.

While the 25-year-old admitted that he is in the midst of a rough patch, he denied suggestions that his woes with the bat had something to do with his technique.

“Of course I have to make development in my batting. But I also believe my batting is just about okay,” he said. “It’s just a bad nick. So now I want to shift my concentration more on bowling than on batting. No matter what others say, I don’t think I have any problem with my batting. Apart from my batting duties, I just want to contribute to the team through my bowling as well.”

Even though he didn’t light up the Champions Trophy like he would have been hoping to, the Rajsahi native expressed his pride at the fact that his side managed to make it to the semi-finals.

“I know I lacked individual achievements in the Champions Trophy,” he conceded. “Still reaching the semi-finals is the biggest achievement. Getting the experience under such pressure is a really big thing. In future, hopefully I will be able to make use of this experience.”

With Bangladesh’s next assignment being a two-Test series on home soil against Australia in August-September, Sabbir is hoping to not only contribute with both the bat and ball, but also cement his place in the Test side.

“Australia are coming here. I am trying to prepare myself in a way so that I can become a regular member of the Test side as well,” he said. “This is my main focal point at the moment. If I am to progress in my overall way of playing cricket, I must do well in the Test arena. Doesn’t matter if it’s in batting or in bowling.”