Shoriful learning from seniors how to adapt to the top level

The three-team BCB President's Cup 50-over competition is not just the stage for players to return to competitive cricket in the country after a long gap of seven months as the tournament has also emerged as a huge platform for the members of the 2019 Under-19 World Cup-winning side to showcase their talents in the bigger stage as well. 

The majority of the cricketers who were part of the World Cup-winning side are taking part in the ongoing tournament and have already shown glimpses of their talent alongside the seniors. 

Although there were long-term plans from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to nurture these cricketers, the coronavirus pandemic has halted most of those. 

However, going back to the BCB President's Cup, the likes of young left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam who had impressed with his sheer aggression and pace managed to utilize the opportunity playing for Tamim XI. 

The tall pacer from Panchagor remained wicketless in the first game but was able to show his quality in the next match where he picked up four wickets conceding 37 runs from his ten overs that included a maiden, helping his side to clinch a crucial 42-run win over Najmul XI on Thursday. 

The youngster is also learning by sharing the dressing room with the likes of skipper Tamim Iqbal and left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman. And according to Shoriful, he is getting the valuable tips from his seniors which is helping him to adapt to playing at the top level. 

"Since playing the Under-19 World Cup, I played just one game in the Dhaka league and after that, I am playing here after a gap of six-seven months. Initially, I was unable to cope up with the game sense and fitness but things started to get better in the second game.  

"Tamim bhai talks with me a lot while bowling in the nets and Mustafizur bhai also teaches me a lot of things. I ask a lot of questions to Mustafizur bhai and he taught me those very nicely. I try to learn the weak points of the batsman and it feels good to share with them and learn new things every day," Shoriful told the reporters ahead of their next game against Mahmudullah XI tomorrow. 

According to the 19-year-old, initially, it was difficult to adapt to living inside the bio-secure bubble and informed that it's tough to stay locked in the hotel room all the time. However, he also added that it also gives him the opportunity to think more about his game.  

"It feels different living inside a bio-secure bubble as previously I used to take a break and spent some time roaming outside and hang out with my friends and family but that is not the case now. Now we normally stay inside our hotel room and tomorrow's game is even more important than the final. It's a crucial game for us and we will give our best to win the game," he added.