Fasting Yet Bowling 500 Deliveries a Day: Practising Even on Eid

Bangladesh cricket has long struggled to find quality leg-spinners. In recent years, some of that gap has been filled by Rishad Hossain. Beyond him, however, the cricket pipeline rarely produces leg-spinners. Among the few emerging names is Under-19 cricketer Swadhin Islam.

Swadhin was a key performer in Bangladesh’s recent Under-19 triangular series in Zimbabwe, competing against the host nation and South Africa. In that series, he took 12 wickets, while in a practice match he claimed 6 more, bringing his total to 18 wickets.

In an exclusive discussion with Dhaka Post reporter Sakib Shawon, Swadhin shared his journey—from his beginnings in Lalmonirhat to the Under-19 squad, his intense practice routines, and even bowling 500 deliveries on a single day while fasting.

“I started practising cricket in 2018. Initially, I gave trials at the district level for the Under-14 team. Then the COVID-19 pandemic began, but by 2022, I was playing directly for the ‘A’ team in the Rangpur Division. In six matches, I took 25 wickets, becoming the highest wicket-taker.

“The following year, I performed well again. After two consecutive years of strong bowling in the Youth League, I was called to the Under-19 camp. Bowling was going well everywhere. Last year, I got my first chance to play for the youth team against the UAE. Although I didn’t perform well there and was dropped, I did not get opportunities in the Asia Cup or elsewhere.”

Swadhin described Lalmonirhat’s remote area, Tushbhandar, as a place with very limited facilities for cricket and minimal support from locals.

“People in my area used to taunt me. They thought I was crazy for practising without eating, or even practising while fasting. But I stayed focused.”

“This year, I performed well in the DPL, taking 6 wickets in three matches for Legend of Rupganj. My strong performances against major teams earned me another call-up to the Under-19 squad. I wasn’t part of the Sri Lanka series, but I was selected for the South Africa series and the triangular series. Alhamdulillah, my goal now is to see how I can improve further.”

Swadhin spoke about the immense effort and sacrifices behind his success: “I’ve struggled a lot in my life. For six to seven years, I practised extensively in the academy, bowling enormous numbers of deliveries. During Ramadan, I would bowl 500 deliveries a day while fasting. My fingers have even changed differently on each hand from the practice.

“I used to travel 70 kilometres from home for practice. I would take the 7 AM train and return late at night, often falling asleep on the train because sometimes it left at midnight or 1 AM. I have endured many hardships to reach this point.”

At the start, Swadhin did not receive much familial support. He credits his maternal uncle for inspiring him to continue practising despite challenges.

“I’ve done all sorts of work to support my family. At times, I didn’t even sleep at night, watching YouTube videos of Shane Warne to analyse bowling techniques. I’ve studied my bowling meticulously myself.”

“When playing tape tennis in my area, my deliveries resembled leg-spin, so older boys nicknamed me Imran Tahir, though I didn’t know him then. Later at the academy, I bowled the same way in front of the coaches and continued developing my leg-spin. I don’t follow anyone blindly; I observe and decide how to improve and raise my level independently.”

“I chose jersey number 19 from a very young age. Seeing the number 19 reminds me that I belong in the team. Playing in the Under-19 team was always in my mind.”

Swadhin now eyes the Asia Cup and Youth World Cup: “I want to perform at a higher level, dominate for Bangladesh, and excel in the World Cup. The goal of joining the national team is certainly there. If I do well in the World Cup and get a team in the BPL, performing there could lead to a national call-up.

“Coaches like Salahuddin Sir and Sohel Sir have encouraged me, especially to improve my batting alongside bowling. Talha Zubair Sir also believes I am mature enough and should now focus on how to dominate for Bangladesh at the global level.”

Even during Eid, Swadhin maintained his practice: “I practised after Fajr on Eid before going for the Eid prayer. I’ve never told anyone this. Cricket is everything to me; education has taken a backseat. My focus is solely on excelling in cricket.”

Swadhin Islam’s journey reflects not just talent, but resilience, sacrifice, and relentless dedication, marking him as one of Bangladesh’s promising young leg-spinners.