Having given an unexpected chance, all-rounder Shuvagata Hom is out to prove his Twenty20 credentials in the forthcoming home series against Zimbabwe.
Hom is one of the three uncapped cricketers picked by the selectors for the first two-match of the Zimbabwe series consisting four Twenty20 internationals beginning at Khulna from January 15.
Hom, who played seven Tests and four one-day internationals but could not establish himself in either of the format, was given a chance in Twenty20 as Bangladesh are desperately looking to find a combination before ICC World Twenty20.
Hom said on Tuesday that he is confident about performing in the T20 format as he basically carries an aggressive mindset and always try to play in that manner irrespective of formats.
‘Definitely I have a good chance to play Twenty20 internationals,’ Hom told reporters at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium on Tuesday.
‘I am very comfortable playing ODIs and T20 matches,’ said Hom. ‘I feel that I have a good chance because I am a stroke player and like to play shots wherever I play, whether it is the national league or Dhaka Premier League,’ he said.
Hom was taken into the side ahead of Nasir Hossain, a player with a similar calibre, who, despite his recent poor form, had had some match-winning contributions in the past.
Though Hom did not do anything in the recent matches that would suggest him as a better player than Nasir, he said he is ready to make similar contributions.
‘Because I am playing as an all-rounder I have to contribute with the bat and the ball,’ he said. ‘I am prepared to bat anywhere as per the requirement of the team.
‘I batted up in the order in some of the BPL [Bangladesh Premier League] matches. I feel there was a scope to bat for a long period by approaching it intelligently,’ he said.
In BPL, Hom, who played for champions Comilla Victorians, made just 94 runs and picked five wickets, though his 142.42 strike rate with the bat impressed the selectors.
Hom said the BPL experience will help him to adapt in the international level if he is picked.
‘If I get a chance up in the top-order I will try to grab the opportunity.
‘I also batted down the order in BPL and got reasonable success.’
Hom said he is looking forward to change his bowling all-rounder tag that he received since making his debut against West Indies in September 2014.
‘In Test team I played as a bowling all-rounder but I think I am a batting all-rounder,’ said Hom.
‘After getting dropped from the national team I batted up in the order for the ‘A’ team and did well. It raised my confidence,’ he added.
-With New Age input
