‘Please don’t lose patience’
"Whenever I think of leading this team, the first thing that comes to mind is that I need to look into off-field matters. We are a very disciplined side, but we can be better. If I can improve these matters then it will also impact our performances on the field positively."
Tamim IQBAL
BANGLADESH ODI CAPTAIN
The inspirational Mashrafe Bin Mortaza always tried to create a family-like atmosphere in the Bangladesh team during his reign as the Tigers' captain. So much so, that despite his remarkable record as captain -- 50 wins from 88 games -- what was most commendable was his way of keeping the troops together, on or off the field.
Tamim Iqbal has now been handed the baton and while the left-hander mentioned that it would not be possible to be as great a leader as Mashrafe, it still seemed that Tamim will be following Mashrafe's ideals and footsteps.
The newly-appointed ODI captain promised that he would focus on 'team culture', an area he believes he can improve upon to bring success on the field.
"I think there are a lot of things that are beyond our control on the field. But one of the things that is under our control is the team culture. I believe how we think outside the field or how professional we are… I think these are the areas we can improve on and that will be first job as captain," Tamim said in Mirpur yesterday while speaking to reporters for the first time after being named ODI captain.
According to Tamim, if he can help improve the team's off-field attitude, then it will also impact their performance positively on the field.
"If we do things right outside the field, if we can be more disciplined in cricketing matters and if we work hard and not repeat the mistakes that we make during practice while playing a match, then we can gradually see the changes. Whenever I think of leading this team, the first thing that comes to mind is that I need to look into off-field matters. We are a very disciplined side, but we can be better. If I can improve these matters then it will also impact our performances on the field positively," continued Tamim.
Tamim was also aware that the fans and media of a cricket loving country like Bangladesh do not shy away from criticising the team's performance. And the 30-year-old, who mentioned he would step aside if he could not make any changes, asked everyone to have patience during the initial stages.
"I always like to be attack-minded. We need to assess the situation and also understand our strengths. We need to take a decision considering everything. All I want to ask is that all of you stay patient. The batting might falter in one or two series or in five matches. I hope that it won't, but it can happen. Please don't lose patience and I will also request the fans the same. I will try my best to get everything in order. And if I cannot do anything for the team in six months, one year or one-and-a-half years, then I will definitely step aside," concluded Tamim.
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