Taskin Ahmed: The Comeback King

Do you remember the emotional moment when Taskin Ahmed broke down in tears after the squad for the 2019 ODI World Cup was announced? If you follow Bangladesh cricket, you probably do. Missing out on the squad left Taskin devastated. He couldn’t hide his disappointment.

From Heartbreak to Redemption

But that setback became the turning point of his career. Taskin rebuilt himself from the beginning. During the COVID-19 period, videos and photos of his intense training spread across social media. The frustration of missing the World Cup fueled his determination. After COVID, he performed well in a few domestic tournaments and earned his way back into the national team.

Since returning to the national side in late 2020, Taskin hasn’t looked back. His consistent form has kept him in the team. Once he seemed to drift away from the national setup, but now he is an essential part of Bangladesh’s pace unit. Even though he is currently less involved in Tests, across formats he remains one of the country’s top fast bowlers.

“In 2018-19 I wasn’t in the team. I was left out of the 2019 World Cup. I felt I deserved a place. It hurt a lot. Some players even played while unfit back then. But looking back, maybe I wouldn’t have improved if I hadn’t been dropped.” – Taskin Ahmed

Recently, Taskin attended the BDCricTime Eid Fest as a guest with his wife Syeda Naima Rabeya. When asked about the toughest Eid of his life, he shared the story of his comeback.

Taskin said, “Missing the 2019 World Cup was very painful, but Alhamdulillah I overcame it. After COVID, I worked very hard and returned.”

He also spoke about another difficult phase during the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup when his bowling action came under scrutiny. “It was very shocking. I never expected there was an issue with my bowling action. I was doing well at that time. I was banned just before the match against India in the T20 World Cup,” he said.

Talking about his return after correcting his action, Taskin added, “Thankfully I cleared it within six months. I’m very grateful to late Mahbub Ali Zaki sir. He helped me a lot during that time.”

Taskin also credited several people for supporting his journey, including his father and coaches like Khaled Mahmud and Mizanur Rahman Babul. He shared a funny childhood story too. “I had low hemoglobin as a child and doctors advised me not to play in the sun. One afternoon I was playing in the heat, and my father came and broke the bat on me (laughs). He used to scold me, then show affection a few days later.”

His wife Naima, who was present beside him, said, “He used the COVID period fully. The hard work he put in day and night made his comeback possible.”

What’s Next for Taskin Ahmed?

As Taskin looks back on his journey, he is now focused on the future. With his consistent form and determination, he is sure to make a significant impact in the world of cricket. With his comeback story serving as an inspiration to many, Taskin Ahmed is a true example of perseverance and hard work.

Taskin last represented Bangladesh national cricket team in the ODI series against Pakistan national cricket team.