‘It’s my opportunity’
As he woke up from his afternoon nap yesterday, Rony Talukdar was greeted with the news from a reporter that he had been called-up for the ODI series against Pakistan, but he was not surprised.
"Because of my good form everybody was saying that I might get a call-up for the series and finally the dream came true for me," said the 24-year-old opening batsman from Narayanganj in his instant reaction over phone. "I know there is a huge difference between domestic and international cricket, so for me the first challenge will be to adjust to international cricket," he continued.
"My elder brother Rajib Talukdar took me to Jalal sir [Jalal Ahmed Chowdhury] back in 2005 and then I played the Under-19 World Cup in 2008, where I started to dream of playing in the national side some day. I played for Abahani for three seasons, one season for Gazi Tank and two for Prime Doleshwar in the Premier League. I started my first-class career with Barisal Division in 2009 and got a break as I was called up to the preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup, but I was not in good form for two seasons in between. So consistency is important," said the right-hander in one breath.
"Opening is a problem for the national team, so an opportunity came to me and I have to capitalise on it and I know only consistency can help me cement my place in the national side," he added.
Rony, who got the call-up ahead of young Liton Kumar Das for his experience, said that he was confident as he had been going through a good run. "As I said, I know the difference but still believe my performance in the domestic circuit will give me confidence if I get the chance to play against Pakistan," hoped a confident Rony.
Like another national opener from Narayanganj, Shahriar Hossain Bidyut, Rony is also a good stroke-maker but Mushfiqur Rahim is his favourite cricketer. "I grew up watching the batting of the great Sachin Tendulkar, but Mushfiq bhai is my favourite cricketer and my idol both on and off the field."
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