All-rounder Sakib al Hasan went back to the batting basics in three recent training sessions as he prepared himself for the upcoming ICC World Cup by trying to focus on the technical aspect of his batting. Bangladesh Cricket Board’s game development manager Nazmul Abedin conducted the sessions this week when Sakib batted for hours to make slight adjustment on his batting approach and applications through several drills.
‘We started from the scratch,’ Nazmul told New Age after completing his assignment with the ace cricketer.
‘During the last few years several changes came in his batting knowingly or unknowingly as he is playing regularly.
‘The concept of our endeavour was focused on picking out those changes. These drills only helped to realise where he had gone drastically far from the batting basics.
After the sessions he is now getting more time to be in a better position and it, in the process, increases his scoring zones,’ said Nazmul.
The sessions put a special emphasis on playing shots on the back foot, square the wickets as well as defending soundly against the short-pitched deliveries.
The wickets in Australia and New Zealand often test the skills of sub-continent batsmen as it offers more bounce than they usually receive at their own backyard and unless someone have a sound technique, it becomes difficult to survive.
Nazmul is a key figure in developing Sakib’s batting skills during his stint at the BKSP. Since joining the BCB as development coach, Nazmul conducted similar special sessions with some other batsmen helping them overcome their technical flaws.
‘Going back to the basics only can help him [Sakib] grow as a more matured batsman,’ said Nazmul.
‘It gives him the chance to think about his batting as he understands what should have been done and how he is going after it.
‘The moment this realisation is imprinted in the mindset, certainly it will make him more cautious with his approach.
‘It is not that his batting will be changed drastically. He will rather be more comfortable in dealing with some deliveries.
‘He doesn’t want to leave any stone unturned regarding his preparations and worked on several aspects of batting during these days,’ said Nazmul.
Sakib, who always takes more satisfaction in his batting performance than bowling, acknowledged the view shared by Nazmul after completing the sessions with him.
‘Sir [Nazmul] told you everything so there is nothing more to add,’ he said. ‘There is no limit of improvement and the only thing that I can do is try,’ said Sakib, adding ‘Honestly these days all my focus is firmly pointed towards the next World Cup,’ he said.
-With New Age input
