Sharmin Akhter: "Desire, Not Persistence, Drove My Comeback"
Veteran Bangladesh batter Sharmin Akhter has revealed that it was not persistence, but an unshakable desire that brought her back to the national team following her exclusion. In an exclusive interview with Cricbuzz, Sharmin opened up about her journey, mental resilience, technical evolution, and the team’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
A Pioneer in Women’s Cricket
Sharmin is part of the first-ever batch of women cricketers trained at BKSP, Bangladesh’s national sports institute. She recalled starting her cricketing journey without even understanding the basic rules of the game. “When I came to cricket, I had to swim against the tide,” she said. Initially drawn to sports through badminton, a chance recommendation by a district coach led her to cricket trials.
Despite family resistance due to academic priorities, Sharmin convinced her parents to let her attend the BKSP admission test. “If I didn't get into BKSP, maybe becoming a cricketer would have been impossible for me,” she reflected.
Comeback Fueled by Purpose
After being dropped from the national side, Sharmin said her return was driven by self-reflection, not just persistence. “It was about desire—how I wanted to see myself. Cricket is where I can give my 100%. Even when I eat, sleep or scroll through my phone, everything revolves around cricket,” she stated.
She emphasized that although she had other capabilities—especially in academics—cricket gave her a sense of purpose. “If I deliver 100% and still fail, then fine, I'll leave it to the Almighty. But I won’t quit before that.”
Mental Toughness: The Real Differentiator
Often praised for her mental strength, Sharmin believes it is crucial for cricketers, especially when they’re outside the national setup. “When you’re out of the national radar, facilities are limited. That’s where mental strength matters most,” she explained.
Quoting her coach Mohammad Salahuddin, Sharmin said, “If you cannot do anything better for the team, why should the team pick you?” That blunt feedback became a turning point. “It’s a team game. Impact matters. I had to improve, or there was no point.”
She likened her mindset to Bangladesh men's star Shakib Al Hasan, and fellow teammate Nahida Akter, both of whom, she said, exemplify mental resilience and the ability to bounce back.
Mindset Over Mechanics: Evolving Her Batting
Sharmin has recently caught attention for quicker scoring rates, something she attributes to a change in mindset rather than just technique. “Fear is always there. But now I focus on what the team needs, not just on batting in my own flow,” she said.
Recognizing the pressure that builds with dot balls in international cricket, Sharmin has worked on strike rotation and adapting to bowlers. “If you can’t play on the backfoot, bowlers will exploit it. So I’ve worked on playing in different ways to stay one step ahead.”
She stressed the importance of early momentum. “I bat in the top order. If we don’t score at the start, it becomes hard to accelerate later.”
Targeting Spin, Learning from Boys
Sharmin also highlighted the tactical shift in her approach to spin bowling, especially in the middle overs. “In both men’s and women’s cricket, spinners dominate after the PowerPlay. So, getting 4 runs an over against spin is key. If you rotate strike, you stay relaxed and keep the scoreboard moving.”
Bangladesh’s recent practice matches against Under-15 boys, although resulting in losses, were valuable in preparation, she said. “The U15 boys presented unfamiliar challenges. It helped us face different bowling styles and conditions, unlike when we play among ourselves.”
Looking Ahead to the World Cup Clash Against Pakistan
As Bangladesh prepares to face Pakistan in their Women’s World Cup opener, Sharmin is optimistic but measured. “Yes, we’ve done well against them historically. But every World Cup team is strong. If we win the first match, it will give us momentum and put pressure on opponents.”
She concluded by emphasizing the impact of confidence and team belief: “Winning creates a different environment. If we start strong, other teams will start seeing us as a threat.”
Sharmin Akhter’s story is one of determination, clarity of purpose, and mental resilience. As she leads Bangladesh's top order into a crucial World Cup campaign, she stands not just as a batter—but as a symbol of what it means to ‘swim against the tide’.