"It doesn’t matter if he’s no.1": Tanzim Hasan Sakib warns India by recalling Rohit Sharma’s wicket

Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib has sent a warning to India ahead of the upcoming three-match T20I series by recalling how he dismissed Rohit Sharma in his debut match. The India vs Bangladesh T20I series is set to begin on Sunday, October 6, in Gwalior.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib has burst onto the scene with a thunderous debut that fans will not soon forget. During the Asia Cup 2023, he announced his arrival with a stunning wicket of the Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and made the headlines.

Bangladesh’s Tanzim Hasan Sakib sends a bold message to India ahead of the T20I series

The young pace sensation burst onto the international stage on the back of his domestic league show, and his rise is a tale of perseverance and skill. Tanzim admitted that facing one of the greatest batters, Rohit, on his debut was daunting, but rather than allowing the horror of the situation to intimidate him, he embraced the challenge with composure and confidence.

Despite the high stakes, the 21-year-old pacer showcased an impressive level of maturity for his age, as he wasn’t overwhelmed by the pressure of the moment. He had the confidence in his ability to make the new ball swing, so he approached the challenge with a unique strategy.

Tanzim revealed that he maintained an unwavering focus on his strengths instead of succumbing to doubts about his readiness to face Rohit, and this self-assurance provided him with a crucial psychological edge, which helped him dismiss the Indian captain in the Asia Cup 2023.

The Bangladesh pacer stressed that every delivery holds significance to him regardless of the reputation of the batsman, saying this game is a contest of skill and execution rather than a battle against a renowned opponent. This approach allows him to maintain clarity and focus.

I was told that I am new and won't be ready for Rohit Sharma: Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Ahead of the first T20I against India, Sakib said that he never thought about the opponent, saying it doesn't really matter to him if he is the number one batter, as a good ball is a good ball for any batter.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “It was my debut match, and Rohit Sharma was the opponent, and there was Team India. Actually, to be honest, I didn't think of that for once. I was told that I am new and won't be ready for Rohit Sharma. But I was sure that I would play with my strength. If I can bowl at the right places and can make the new ball swing, it will put any batter in trouble.”

I always try to deliver my best ball: Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Tanzim further noted, “I thought about what strength I have and tried to utilize that in the field; I didn't think about who the opponent was. I keep one thing in mind: a good ball is a good ball for everyone. It doesn't matter if he is the number one batter or a domestic-level cricketer; a good ball is a good ball for any batter. I always try to deliver my best ball.”

Notably, Sakib, who claimed the prized wickets of Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav in the T20 World Cup 2024, will be instrumental for Bangladesh in the upcoming T20I series against India.