In the demanding world of professional sports, where careers often hinge on relentless effort and unyielding spirit, Bangladesh`s Sharmin Akhter presents a compelling case. Her recent international cricket comeback wasn`t merely a testament to persistence, but rather a profound demonstration of intrinsic desire. It`s a nuanced distinction, yet one that redefines the very essence of an athlete`s journey, transforming potential failure into a potent catalyst for unparalleled growth.
An Unlikely Start: From Badminton Courts to the Cricket Pitch
Sharmin`s initial foray into cricket was, by her own admission, anything but premeditated. A student at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), the national sports institute, she was part of the inaugural batch for women`s cricket. Her early days were marked by a fundamental lack of understanding of the sport`s intricacies. “I was very raw, like I did not understand anything,” she recalls, painting a picture of a novice guided by foundational coaching, learning everything from the number of balls in an over to the nuances of wickets and no-balls.
Cricket wasn`t a childhood dream for Sharmin; her passion initially lay elsewhere, specifically badminton. It was a district sports council coach, Bablu bhai, who observed her fitness and Pinky, another future national opener, playing badminton. His suggestion, fueled by the burgeoning women`s cricket scene, nudged her towards trials at BKSP. This unexpected pivot was met with familial apprehension. Education, particularly a scholarship, was the desired path. Her parents` reluctance was understandable, seeing cricket as an uncertain professional venture. Yet, a quiet determination prevailed, allowing her to attend the test, a decision that would irrevocably alter her trajectory. Without BKSP, she posits, her cricketing career would likely have remained an unfulfilled hypothesis.
The Crucible of Comeback: Desire, Not Persistence, As the Driving Force
The true measure of an athlete often comes not in triumph, but in the face of rejection. For Sharmin, being dropped from the national squad was this crucible. It was here that she articulated the pivotal difference between mere persistence and a burning desire. “I would not call it persistence. It is about desire,” she states unequivocally.
This period triggered an intense introspection. Having excelled academically, the thought of an alternative career path – one leveraging her intellect – lingered. Yet, cricket had become an all-consuming purpose. When both her academic pursuits and cricket performance felt “so-so,” the realization solidified: cricket was her ultimate calling. It wasn`t just a game; it was the sole arena where she could commit 100 percent of herself. Her every waking thought, every action, was imbued with the singular purpose of cricket. It`s a sentiment that borders on the obsessive, but in the realm of elite performance, such devotion is often the secret ingredient.
“If I deliver my 100 percent and still fail, then it is alright and I will leave that to Almighty. But I will not give up too quickly. I also did not find reasons to leave. I think, sometimes human beings give up themselves. If we do not give up, nothing is impossible.”
This philosophy underscores a profound self-belief: failure is acceptable if absolute effort has been given; giving up on oneself is the only true impossibility.
Forging a Steel Mind: The Indispensable Role of Mental Toughness
Sharmin Akhter is widely regarded within Bangladesh`s cricketing circles as one of the toughest female cricketers, a reputation she attributes less to skill and more to an unshakeable mental fortitude. While physical training and skill development are uniform, it is the mental game that separates the good from the great.
Being outside the national team presents a stark contrast in facilities and support. Without the structured environment, an athlete must create their own opportunities, a challenging feat in a resource-limited landscape. This is where mental strength truly shines. Her coach, Mohammad Salahuddin, reinforced a pragmatic truth: “If you cannot do anything better for the team, why should the team pick you? Even I would not select you.” This blunt assessment, rather than demoralizing her, became a positive challenge. Being dropped was not a failure but an opportunity to identify “weak zones” and return as a more impactful player.
Her perspective resonates with the journeys of legendary cricketers like Shakib Al Hasan and Nahida, who have consistently demonstrated the ability to rebound from adversity, calm themselves in high-pressure situations, and meticulously work towards their improvement. The core message is clear: mental toughness isn`t a bonus; it`s the bedrock upon which skill can truly flourish. “If we are not mentally tough, then it becomes difficult,” she concludes, emphasizing the vital role of self-belief and backing oneself up.
Re-engineering the Game: Tactical Transformation and Strike Rotation
Sharmin`s comeback wasn`t just about a renewed spirit; it involved a tangible evolution of her batting approach. The fundamental change, she reveals, was in her mindset. While fear is an inherent part of batting at the international level, her focus shifted from avoiding mistakes to proactively accepting challenges and aligning her game with team demands. It wasn`t about batting according to her personal “flow,” but adapting strategically.
International cricket demands innovation. “If you do not try anything different… it is difficult to score runs,” she observes. A key area of improvement has been her strike rotation, particularly against spinners in the middle overs. Where pace bowlers might offer easier boundaries, spinners often demand a more nuanced approach. The ability to convert dot balls into singles, keeping the scoreboard ticking, eases pressure and prevents rash decisions. This tactical refinement allows her to anchor the innings and set a foundation for acceleration, acknowledging that in the top order, early runs are crucial for a competitive total.
Beyond the Boundary: The Future and The Lesson
Even with meticulous preparation, the reality of competitive cricket throws curveballs. Bangladesh`s women`s team faced the challenge of a gap in international fixtures, which the BCB attempted to bridge with matches against U15 boys. While losing to younger male counterparts might seem discouraging, Sharmin views it with characteristic pragmatism: an opportunity to face unknown bowlers and challenges, to identify weaknesses, and to learn. The past is gone; the focus must be on the next match, the next opportunity.
Looking ahead to matches against Pakistan, despite the opponent being higher ranked, Sharmin radiates confidence. The aim is clear: win the first match, build momentum, and establish themselves as a threat. The ultimate goal isn`t just to play, but to win, to create an environment where success propels them forward.
Sharmin Akhter`s journey offers a powerful narrative. It`s a story not just for cricket enthusiasts, but for anyone who has faced professional setbacks. It illustrates that while persistence might keep one going, it is an unwavering, all-consuming desire that truly ignites a resurgence, transforming an athlete from merely enduring into definitively thriving. Her comeback isn`t just a sporting triumph; it`s a profound statement on the human spirit`s capacity to redefine its own limits when driven by a purpose larger than mere effort.
