'Middle-overs attacking phase’ at heart of Akbar’s evolving game

Akbar Ali has been waiting in the wings for a national team opportunity since that euphoric moment when he led the U-19 team to World Cup glory in 2020. The wicketkeeper-batter has had time to reflect on his game while many of his batch-mates have already become part of the national team's core. In an interview with The Daily Star's Abdullah Al Mehdi, the 24-year-old spoke about his batting template, areas for improvement and the upcoming BPL. Following are the excerpts:

The Daily Star (DS): What are your thoughts on your development as a skipper?

Akbar Ali (AA): As you grow, your life changes and, in my case, things such as knowledge and maturity are obviously growing with matches. In that way, captaincy too is evolving. I am understanding my game better now. I knew my strengths and weaknesses before, but through these matches, I can feel more clearly what works best for me.

DS: Since the 2020 U-19 World Cup win, many from your batch have joined the national team. Where do you see room for improvement in your own development?

AA: From my point of view, whatever I was supposed to do, I did that and I am continuing to do so. However, I feel that if I could be more consistent, it would be better for me. Over the last few months, my focus has been on how to become more consistent, regardless of where I play next.

DS: Are you trying to implement any specific changes in your batting?

AA: Regardless of the situation, backing my own strengths is very important. I have been trying to do this for the last six or seven months. Previously, due to various influences or match situations, I might not have expressed myself naturally, but now I feel I should express myself and back my strengths regardless of the situation.

DS: Is this about risk-taking?

AA: It is one part of it, but there is more. We are told to take the game deep and that's not a bad thing. But in trying to take the game deep, for instance, traditionally we're taught to attack in the first 10 overs, play safely between overs 11 and 40 to save wickets, and then attack again in the last 10. I believe we should move away from this mindset. In modern cricket, successful teams like India, England or Australia have a high boundary ratio in the middle overs. Our coaches are also telling us that this phase is no longer just for rebuilding; it is an attacking phase.

DS: You often bat lower down the order in domestic cricket. Do you feel you should bat higher up in a different template?

AA: As a batsman, I always want to bat higher because it provides the opportunity to face more balls and enjoy the game. However, in our country, we are less inclined to experiment with the batting order. In other countries, players like Rohit Sharma or Jos Buttler started lower down the order but moved up and achieved great success. In Bangladesh, no one wants to take that risk or experiment. It would be better if this changed.

DS: What about your philosophy in one-day cricket and red-ball cricket?

AA: I was batting at five in the last Emerging Series against South Africa and I tried to specifically change my batting tactics. Since the Premier League is the next one-day assignment, that is where I will continue my work. I was talking to Naeem [Islam] bhai and he said I have to work out my style in red-ball cricket, but the intent should be to score big runs. I managed fifties but couldn't get a hundred. However, in terms of mindset, I am only thinking about batting in my own flow and template.

DS: What are your roles and expectations for the BPL?

AA: When I was picked by Rajshahi Warriors, I spoke with [Najmul Hossain] Shanto and the coaches about their expectations and plans. I will try to deliver what they expect from me. We have an exciting team with a good mix of experience and youth, and the atmosphere is very pleasant. Regarding wicketkeeping, Mushfiqur Rahim bhai will likely keep wickets, so I am preparing myself as a fielder.