MAZHAR UDDIN

The three-match ODI series between hosts Bangladesh and New Zealand beginning today is set to mark the return of Tamim Iqbal to international cricket following a lot of controversies surrounding the cricketer over the past few months.

A lot has changed for the Tigers since Tamim announced his shock retirement from international cricket in July before taking a U-turn. The 34-year-old, however, went on to step down from the ODI captaincy since he felt that his lingering injury concern might hamper the Tigers’ chances in the upcoming World Cup.

The dashing left-hander later underwent treatment and now faces the challenge to transform the team’s vulnerable scenario at the top of batting order.

Prominent coach Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, who was also Tamim’s mentor during his developmental years, believes that the veteran campaigner will face “several challenges” after having been away from competitive action.

“There will be an impact from the recent controversies, and he will be under pressure to perform,” Fahim told The Daily Star yesterday.

“Even if he didn’t play, I’m sure he worked on certain aspects of his technique, but it will be important to see how well he adapts to how he used to play in the past.”

One of the biggest reasons for Tamim’s sudden retirement, according to sources, was tied to his deteriorating relationship with head coach Chandika Hathurusingha in recent times.

Fahim, though, considers Tamim an “emotional guy” and believes “a lot of negativities around him could have been self-created” and that he may have gathered doubts about his own batting abilities.

“I think he needs to show that he can perform to those who want to see him fail, so this is additional pressure on him,” he explained.

Moreover, Tamim will reunite with the team in a different setting, with Liton Das in charge, while Hathurusingha and regular captain Shakib Al Hasan will be on leave for the series; although the Sri Lankan coach is expected to join the team before the third fixture.

Fahim also stated that Tamim should “play at his own pace initially because it’s a fifty-over game,” and that the squad should be patient with him.

“Our team must also recognize that when a player returns from injury, it is a gradual process to regain pace [of his game].”