Veteran Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal is making remarkable progress in his rehabilitation journey following a back injury that sidelined him from the Asia Cup, and wants to return in World Cup 2023.
With his eyes set on the ODI World Cup in India this October-November, Tamim is determined to return to the pitch for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
Speaking on the platform ‘Not Out Noman,' Tamim shared his positive outlook on the rehabilitation process: “It's going good (as far as rehabilitation is concerned). I think the way my plan is set, we are right on track.
“I am quite happy with the outcome till now, and I haven't complained about the back pain yet, and there is no sign of major pain since taking the injection. There is stiffness for one or two days, but till now, I am very happy.”
🚨 BIG REVEAL!
— Saif Ahmed 🇧🇩 (@saifahmed75) August 28, 2023
🎙️| Tamim Iqbal revealed in an interview with Not Out Noman that 'INJURY' wasn't the reason to leave captaincy.
"If I'm upset with someone or he is upset with me and then we go to such a big event where we can't properly communicate or there is some uneasiness,… pic.twitter.com/akNtkm80mD
Tamim's goal is to regain full intensity in his training by at least September. He recognizes the importance of getting back into match rhythm before the New Zealand series and expressed, “I think from 7th (September) I can take part in a full net session, and there will be no restrictions like I cannot do this or that, like you have seen I was facing only throw downs on the opening two days, and from now onwards I can use a stick for throw downs.”
Net sessions more important for Tamim Iqbal than practice
Highlighting the significance of adequate practice, he added, “It's important (the five matches before the World Cup – three ODIs against New Zealand and two practice games) but for me what is important is to have a proper 10 days of net sessions.
“This is what I feel. Because I have played for so long, I don't think the match could be a big problem for me. Normally if I can do 10 net sessions properly before the first game, I should be okay.”
Tamim Iqbal recently relinquished his role as the ODI captain, with Shakib Al Hasan taking the helm for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup. While the skipper's armband may have changed hands, Tamim's determination and commitment to his comeback remain unwavering.
The elegant left-hand batter has been a pillar of the Bangladeshi unit for more than a decade now. Tamim started his international career in 2007 and he has gone on to amass 8313 ODI runs since then, the highest among all Bangladesh players.
He has smashed 14 tons in the format and has also scored 56 fifties. These numbers sum up how important an asset he could be for Bangladesh in the upcoming World Cup, and Tamim will try his level best to recover in time.
