Taijul’s sights on the extraordinary

I think you need to follow certain things to be highlighted which I deliberately keep myself away from. I am not active on social media. I am not saying it's bad or that I don't want to be highlighted. One day, maybe I can do something extraordinary so that the people of the country will remember me. I also try to stay away from the media because I think it's better for me to stay focused.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has been a revelation for Bangladesh, especially in the red-ball format, but the rather humble 30-year-old prefers to shun the limelight and do his job silently. Arguably the most overshadowed cricketer in the Bangladesh team, Taijul spoke candidly about his game, life and many other topics in an interview with The Daily Star's Mazhar Uddin before travelling to the West Indies yesterday. The excerpts of the interview are below: 

The Daily Star (DS): Another away tour is approaching. How's your preparation for the West Indies series?

Taijul Islam (TI): It's always difficult to move from one condition to another. Preparation means knowing what the conditions demand. When we played in West Indies before, the pitch helped both spinners and seamers. Shakib (Al Hasan) bhai picked up five wickets and (Mehedi Hasan) Miraz and I also got a few wickets. It's not easy to comment about a pitch without assessing it. It's not like we haven't seen spin-friendly tracks in the past, but seamers generally tend to get more purchase in the Caribbean. It is difficult if you have a set plan. Instead, you have to be flexible. My initial goal is to help the seamers by bowling tight. If the spinners get purchase, it's a different ball game.

DS: How do you prepare yourself before every series?

TI: Training is one part of preparation, which includes working on skills and trying to bowl in the right areas consistently. But I think it is equally important to prepare off the field. Preparation in your room is key, whether that is mental set-up or something else and I try to work on that both on and off the field.

DS: How do you tweak your bowling on tours abroad compared to what you do at home?

TI: The most important thing you have to realise is what the conditions are and how can I get help using them. For example, wind plays a very big role. You won't get much purchase in the first few days away from home. The line and length you choose to bowl is crucial as is how much drift you can get from bowling at a particular angle. So it's important to adjust quickly, especially abroad. Initially, I found it difficult bowling abroad but I was able to cope as time went by. Another aspect is variations, which I think is very important in the longest version of the game.

DS: You were the fastest to 150 Test wickets for Bangladesh and have been a consistent performer over the years. Do you feel overshadowed at times due to the fact that there is someone like Shakib Al Hasan playing at the same time?

TI: I don't feel that. When I do well and perform for my country, it feels good. Nothing other than that.

DS: Do you feel you should have got more exposure and been highlighted more compared to other stars in the team?

TI: I think you need to follow certain things to be highlighted which I deliberately keep myself away from. I am not active on social media. I am not saying it's bad or that I don't want to be highlighted. One day, maybe I can do something extraordinary so that the people of the country will remember me. I also try to stay away from the media because I think it's better for me to stay focused.

DS: Don't you think you have already achieved something?

TI: Yes, I have. But I think I am yet to do something extraordinary that helps my country win. Suppose I single-handedly destroy a top-ranked side and snatch victory for Bangladesh or win a trophy. I haven't done that yet.

DS: Which part of your game do you think you could improve more?

TI: There is no end to improvement. I learn every day. Despite playing for so many years, I think there is still more to learn. But I feel that if I could contribute more than I am with the bat then it would have been great. If I could score 30-40 runs consistently, then I could have helped my team immensely. I am working on my batting. Let's see.

DS: Despite picking up a hattrick on your ODI debut, you were unable to lock down a spot as a regular in limited-overs sides. Do you feel unlucky at times?

TI: I don't think that way. I feel like I need to play better to play in the shorter formats. Maybe what I have done is not enough. Picking up a wicket while giving away 30 runs is not enough. I need to do something extraordinary. Apart from Shakib Bhai, Nasum Ahmed is also doing well. I am not thinking about it and waiting for my opportunity.