The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka, with pacer Mohammad Saifuddin making a much-anticipated return after a 13-month absence. Saifuddin flew out to Sri Lanka on Monday afternoon and spoke to the media at the airport before his departure.
“It’s been a long journey, as everyone knows. Returning to the national team after 13 months is a big deal. Honestly, earning a place in the team is harder than getting an initial opportunity—and that battle continues. I’ve attended several camps in Mirpur and Chattogram, and I’ve tried to perform well. These chances mean everything to a cricketer.”
He added,
“I gave my best in the training camps and the practice matches. I’m not sure how successful I was, but perhaps the selectors were satisfied. I’ve worked on my strengths—yorkers, variations, line and length. I spoke with Nazmul bhai during the bowling camp and took his advice. I’ve tried everything. Let’s see how it goes from here.”
Reflecting on the role of all-rounders in modern cricket, Saifuddin pointed out the value of versatility in team dynamics.
“Just look at Tanjim Shakib’s last match—his short but effective innings helped the team. If you observe England, they usually have 2-3 pace bowling all-rounders in their squad. The more all-rounders a team has, the better it is—for both the team and the country.”
Saifuddin concluded by reaffirming his commitment:
“I’ll give my best—whether with bat or ball. Pace bowling all-rounders can make key contributions with the bat too. That can only help the team succeed.”
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FAQ
1. How long was Mohammad Saifuddin out of the national team before his return?
Answer:
Mohammad Saifuddin returned to the Bangladesh national team after a gap of 13 months. His last appearance was over a year ago, and he worked hard during that time to earn a recall through domestic performances and training camps.
2. What areas did Saifuddin focus on during his comeback preparation?
Answer:
Saifuddin focused on yorkers, variations, and line and length during his training. He participated in camps in Mirpur and Chattogram and worked closely with coaches, including Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, to sharpen his skills.
3. What is Saifuddin’s view on pace bowling all-rounders in modern cricket?
Answer:
Saifuddin emphasized the growing importance of pace bowling all-rounders, citing teams like England that benefit from having multiple such players. He believes all-rounders add valuable depth and flexibility, both in batting and bowling, which benefits the team greatly.