Bangladesh batsman and also an accurate slow medium pacer, Soumya Sarkar does not see himself in competition with anyone else as he said that the process of comparing himself with others put him under a lot of pressure. He outlined the role of working on “certain areas” of his game and becoming “mentally fit” to turn things around in the T20 series against Zimbabwe.
"When I was out of the team, I practiced with purpose, particularly during the DPL T20s. I will continue to focus on certain areas of my game. I have to be more mentally fit to be more consistent. My biggest competition is with myself. If I think of competing with others, it puts pressure on me. I want to do well myself, and get back my place in the team," Sarkar said.
Sarkar was awarded the Man of the Match award in the first T20 against Zimbabwe for a 45-ball 50 and one-wicket spell, but he had to go through an indifferent start. He conceded his nervousness returning to international cricket after a period of four months, but said that the first six helped him unshackle the rustiness.
"I was playing my first international match after four months so I felt a bit shaky at the start. When some of my first shots were going to hand, I told myself to take a bit of time. A four or a six would open things up for me, I thought. When I got a preferred ball and struck the six, I got my confidence back,” Sarkar said.
Sarkar said that he was unaware of his batting position until the innings break when the coach told him of the opening opportunity with Mohammad Naim. He also commended his opening partner for taking the initiative and providing impetus to Bangladesh’ batting in the chase of 153 runs.
"I was supposed to bat at No 3, but the coach told me at the innings break that I would be opening in Liton's place. I had to prepare myself mentally, and speak to the new partner and bat according to the conditions. When we were going slow at the start, I told Naim that one big over will bring the flow in our favour. When he struck those three fours in the fourth over, things changed quickly," he said.
The second T20 of the series between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh is underway at the Harare Sports Club and the hosts are in an advantageous position to square the series with one more match to go.