Exclusive: Naim Sheikh's Silent Grind Sparks His ODI Return Through Unseen Hours and a Special Bond

Bangladesh top-order batter Naim Sheikh has returned to the national ODI squad after nearly two years, and his mentor Anwar Hossain believes the comeback is the result of disciplined, long-term training.

The 25-year-old left-hander, who made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in Sylhet in March 2020, last featured in the format in September 2023, also against Sri Lanka. 

Despite a modest record of 95 runs in eight ODIs, Naim’s recent domestic form — including a prolific 850-run season — has reignited national selectors’ interest.

A BOND BEYOND THE BOUNDARY

Anwar, who has been mentoring Naim since 2023, said the relationship between the two goes beyond the traditional player-coach dynamic. Their close connection, he believes, has allowed them to build trust and understanding that benefits Naim’s development.

“I have been working with him for the last three years. Since he was dropped after the Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka, we started working closely,” said Anwar. 

“He scored around 850 runs that season — the highest — but still missed out. Then I met him again during the National Cricket League, as I’m the batting coach of Dhaka Metro. That’s how our journey started.”

“Now, if you ask me what difference I made — I have a special bond with him, on and off the field. More than just a coach, I’m like a brother," he told SportsBoom.com. 

FINDING FREEDOM OUTSIDE MIRPUR

To improve his power-hitting and focus, Naim began hiring the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) ground for individual practice, where Anwar often worked with him before or after regular team sessions.

“There were many times when I trained with him for two hours outside team practice. He often rented the ULAB ground to train,” said Anwar. 

“In Mirpur, there are always restrictions — limited space, cemented pitches, long queues, coaches and journalists everywhere. It was difficult to concentrate. That’s why he chose ULAB — a quiet, open ground where he could focus fully.”

“Even during the NCL, he didn’t skip sessions. Match the day before or the next day — didn’t matter. If he felt he needed to train, he did.”

Anwar said Naim kept the sessions private, informing only a few close friends, a thrower, and Anwar himself. 

“He didn’t want distractions — just intense, focused practice.”

TRAINING FOR PACE, THE SMART WAY

One of the key areas Anwar targeted was Naim’s ability to face quick bowling. To prepare him better, Anwar brought in special plastic balls from India designed to simulate high-speed deliveries.

“These balls are very quick off the surface. We used them during NCL T20s, BPL and DPL sessions,” he said. 

“It helped him improve against length balls and quick pace. We also worked on improvisation — so he could play different strokes off different lengths.”

Anwar believes Naim has transformed from a batter who used to get stuck after a few dot balls to one who can now rotate strike regularly and unleash his range of shots with greater clarity.

“He used to get confused after a few dots and tried rash shots. Now he can rotate strike, take singles even from short deliveries, and maintain balance to go for bigger shots when needed,” said Anwar.

The coach said part of the transformation was helping Naim understand his own abilities.

“I told him — don’t let any bowler, regardless of length, stop you from scoring. Don’t wait. Play your game,” Anwar said. 

“He has a lot of power and a wide range of shots — which even he didn’t fully realise before.”

With his domestic consistency and enhanced skill set, Naim has earned another opportunity on the international stage — and much of the credit, as Anwar explains, lies in the unseen hours of work when no spotlight was on.