Exclusive: Tanzim Hasan Sakib Aims to Be Bangladesh’s Next Test All-Rounder

Bangladesh pace bowling all-rounder Tanzim Hasan Sakib is the new kid on the block in the Test circuit, making his debut in the just-concluded Test series against Zimbabwe. 

The right-arm pace bowler first came into the spotlight as part of Bangladesh's Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2020.

Since making his international debut, he was always labelled as a white-ball prodigy. His performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup only justified that tag as he turned out to be Bangladesh's best-performing fast bowler in the tournament, picking up 11 wickets at an average of 13.54, with a career-best 4 for 7 against Nepal.

However, deep down, he always wanted to be a Test cricketer. Unlike many white-ball specialists, he stayed committed to playing first-class cricket to keep that ambition alive.

THRILLED TO PLAY TEST

Tanzim, during an exclusive chat with SportsBoom.com, said he was thrilled to play longer-version cricket for the country.

“I was thrilled to play Test cricket because it was like a dream come true. I was brought up in Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP). The training I received there was red-ball based, as all our practices and matches were conducted with red balls,” he told SportsBoom.com. 

“Since then, passion for the red ball grew inside me. In addition, playing red-ball cricket is an honour. So I always wanted to prepare myself for playing red-ball cricket at the highest level whenever I got called up for the team,” he added.

DEVELOPED SKILL SET SHINE IN WHITES

In recent times, Tanzim was seen working closely with Bangladesh senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin to increase his pace, and according to him, it paid off on his debut.

“Yes, yes, it (working to increase pace) definitely worked out. Look, we rarely have free time as series and tournaments come up one after another,” said Tanzim.

“If we want to change a lot in our bowling, it takes a long time. So I am focusing on little changes in my bowling and I think I am getting the results as well as I am improving."

“Taking wickets is important in all formats, especially in red-ball cricket. A team can win in Tests only if they can take all 20 wickets. So, taking wickets is very vital. I tried to attack and take wickets in the only match that I played. But I have many scopes for learning, especially when I need to attack and when I need to check the run-flow."

“In white-ball cricket, the situations are almost the same, but in red-ball cricket, different situations occur. For example, we try to contain the flow of runs after taking wickets with the new white ball. But in red-ball cricket, you have to take wickets using your skill,” he added.

FOCUSED TO FLOURISH WITH THE BAT

While Tanzim did not have a memorable start with the ball in his Test debut, picking up 1 for 49, he certainly looked like he could contribute with the bat, scoring 41 runs coming in at number 10.

“I think if I can contribute in batting, it will be a plus point for the team. Despite my main strength being in bowling, I think I have a lot to contribute in batting for the team,” said Tanzim.

“If I can continue performing with the bat, it will be a great advantage in team selection, particularly in Test matches, just like the last match. If a tail-ender can support the set batsman and score some runs, it will be a plus point for the team."

“We see such factors in the big teams in Test cricket, where the lower-order batsmen support the main batsmen and score runs. So I personally keep it in mind and try to contribute to my team,” he concluded.