Hom eyes Tigers spot in his comfort zone

Shuvagata Hom has been tried as a specialist off-spinner, who can bat, in the Tests. He failed, but passed with high marks when he took the field in the last quarter of 2015. After a fruitful time with both bat and ball with the Bangladesh A team in South Africa and Zimbabwe, Shuvagata exhibited his ability in the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20.

It is largely due to his batting cameos and bowling adaptability in the BPL 3 that enabled the selectors to give him a go in the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe. Will he be able to cement his place in the Bangladesh dressing room ahead of the precious World T20?

The 29-year-old, who loves the shortest format more than ODIs and Tests, expressed his desire after the Bangladesh practice session in Khulna yesterday. Here are the excerpts:

How much do you enjoy the T20 format?

I feel comfortable playing the shortest format. It allows me to play strokes which is my natural ability.

How would you define your role in the team?

I look to perform with both bat and ball. I have batted well recently and I would also like to make a mark with the ball. Wherever the team management puts me, I will try to serve the purpose.

You have batted up the order in the BPL. What difference does it make?

It helps to build the innings when you bat up the order where you can take some time and plan for a big innings. I have played some quick knocks at the end of the innings in the BPL too, when the situation required big shots and I have done that too.

Plans for the Zimbabwe series?

It’s a great opportunity for me ahead of the Asia Cup and the World T20. If I play well it will definitely boost my confidence.