Former Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal sweats it out in the gym at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium indoor facilities as he tries to regain his fitness and recover from a recurring back injury to be back in time for the New Zealand series following the Asia Cup in September. Photo: Facebook
A backup is never just a backup. The training of the nine cricketers at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, who have been kept as backup options with the upcoming World Cup in mind, is well-integrated to the needs of the national team, as per head coach Chandika Hathurusingha’s instructions.
There have been plenty of talk regarding Mahmudullah Riyad’s exclusion from the Asia Cup squad but Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are ensuring that whenever the experience of someone like Riyad or the ability to clear the in-field much like what Soumya Sarkar does, is required, they get such players well-tuned to the team management’s needs.
Tamim Iqbal is part of the group but his individual recuperation would have to be completed before he can start doing the high-intensity training prescribed for the nine players, a BCB source informed. If his recuperation goes well and he can start taking on more intensity, he will return for the New Zealand series at home.
“The practice sessions have been designed in a way so that the intensity and volume of practice is like the national team’s. So that they can be ready and if picked, cope with the national team very quickly,” coach Sohel Islam, in charge of the group’s training sessions, told reporters yesterday.
The initial phase of the camp would go on till September 3 but Sohel also informed that the camp may continue till the World Cup. The training sessions are curated according to the national team’s demands.
The focus of the training sessions on skill and training for particular roles. “We are preparing in two ways. One is skill, technical issues so that they can take challenges in specific areas in case they get into the team. The other is preparation based, such as who will play the new ball and how they will play,” Sohel further informed.
Riyad was hitting some big ones yesterday against net bowlers, as he looked to find his rhythm after sitting out the special camp due to a family emergency over the last few days. The veteran also was seen fielding with the rest of the group in the morning.
“The way that instructions came from the top on what the roles are and who will practice what, that is how it was communicated with Riyad and we set up his practice routine. He is in good shape and this preparation routine will go on for a while, and with a few more sessions he will get into a good rhythm,” Sohel said regarding Riyad’s return to the backup options’ camp.
Meanwhile Soumya, who is also among the backups, was looking to overcome his batting issues in order to be ready in case he is needed. Sohel added that Soumya has recognised what areas to work on. With time to prepare, the plans given from the national team management could be crucial.
