Not thinking in terms of captaincy debut, the important thing is team performance, says Tamim Iqbal

07/26/2019

Tamim Iqbal, who will take the field on Friday against Sri Lanka as Bangladesh's 14th ODI skipper, is only looking for a satisfying team performance in the three-match series. Iqbal was named captain because of the last-minute injury to Mashrafe Mortaza and the unavailability of Shakib Al Hasan.

An under-strength Bangladesh side is all set for a three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka. While Shakib and Liton Das opted out of the series due to personal reasons, Mortaza and all-rounder Mohammed Saifuddin has been sidelined with an injury. However, the interim skipper Iqbal is keen to give his best in the role.

"I am not thinking like I am making a debut in captaincy. For me, the most important thing is how we start because it is only satisfying if the team does well. If we can win tomorrow or we play well then it will be something special. If the other 10 members can perform then only can you judge someone as a captain. I am not very excited about being debuted as a captain. I will try my best to help those who are playing," Tamim was quoted saying by Cricbuzz.

The left-handed opener, who has been in the side, has only captained the national team once. When regular skipper Mushfiqur Rahim was injured, he led the side in a Test match against New Zealand in 2017. However, there is a great difference between then and now, according to Iqbal.

"There is a difference as I was not the captain of the team on that tour. Regular captain Mushfiqur Rahim was injured and I had to lead the side for the second Test. This time I knew that I am going to lead the side and had five to six days to think about it. I talked with the players about their roles and what the team expects from them,” he said.

Bangladesh have the upper-hand against Sri Lanka, based on recent clashes between the two sides. However, Tamim did not want to sound too confident about perhaps being favorites as the touring side.

"I don't like to give someone favourite tag. I think they are a good side in their own backyard while they played some good cricket in the World Cup especially in the game against England. The same goes with us as we are playing well for the last couple of years so whoever will execute their plans have a fair chance,” Iqbal added.

The first of the three ODIs will be played in Colombo, on Friday. This will also be the last outing in the 50-over format for Lasith Malinga.