'Underrated' Taijul subscribes to the discipline mantra

Just after Taijul Islam picked up another five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe to haul Bangladesh back into the series-deciding second Test in Chattogram, former skipper Tamim Iqbal hailed him on his official Facebook page as "the most underrated bowler in the world."

"Look at the stats of the other current bowlers and you will understand my opinion. Well done TAIJUL on another five-wicket," Tamim wrote.

Tamim's assessment isn't without merit. Taijul neither boasts a large social media following nor a strong advertising presence, often key markers of star power in this part of the world. But the 33-year-old isn't losing sleep over it. In an era ruled by influencers, he appears content with where he stands.

"Yes I think so," Taijul told reporters when asked if he agreed with Tamim's comment. "You know the reason [why he is the most underrated bowler in the world] better than me," he added.

Despite regular performances, Taijul's place was questioned after a quiet Test in Sylhet. Now, having played 18 fewer Tests than Shakib Al Hasan and sitting just 22 wickets behind him, Taijul appeared relieved to make a strong comeback.

"Obviously this is satisfactory [to get five wickets] because when you play 50 Tests and then bowl like I did in Sylhet, it is not a good thing," he said. "Such bowling after playing so many Tests... but the most important thing is I was able to help the team.

"I don't think those who criticize a player who has played so many matches... understand the game," he said.

Taijul stressed that discipline remained key to sustaining performances. "Every player has that motivation to do well. The most important thing for a player is discipline. I try to maintain my routine. You may not always get the results. But it will help your career," he said.

As for overtaking Shakib's record, Taijul isn't obsessing. "Every player dreams of becoming the best of the bests. A player won't get satisfaction until he goes a long way. I will try. It's not like I have to get past Shakib bhai. Shakib bhai has done so many things. And he will do in the future Inshallah. I hope that everyone does well," he said.

Taijul, who finished with 5 for 60 for his 16th Test five-fer, said Bangladesh's fightback began with disciplined bowling after Nick Welch (54) and Sean Williams (67) added 90 for the third wicket before Welch retired hurt.

"It might be a turning point [Welch retired hurt] but the main thing was every bowler at a time bowled for long. There were maiden overs. These things are important. When you bowl in such a partnership, there's a chance that you get a wicket.

"Bowling in a partnership is important. Sometimes you will see wickets falling on a flat wicket, sometimes it doesn't on even good wickets. When you create pressure, there's a chance of getting wickets. Of course there's a difference between the Sylhet wicket and this one.

"But at the time they were playing very well, our plan was to remain disciplined and check the runs and there are records that even after a 100-150 runs partnership, two or three wickets fall [quickly]," he concluded.