Imrul Kayes, born on February 2, 1987, is a professional cricket player from Bangladesh. Known for his opening partnership with Tamim Iqbal, Imrul has made significant contributions to the Bangladesh cricket team in both Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Imrul achieved his breakthrough in international cricket in 2008 after consistently performing well in domestic matches. With his impressive performances, he quickly earned a place in the national team. In just two years, he topped Bangladesh’s ODI batting charts with an impressive 867 runs in 2010. This achievement solidified his position as a key player in the team.
Despite his success, Imrul has faced challenges in maintaining a consistent position in the Bangladesh side. Throughout his career, he has missed more ODIs than he has played, and he has often been dropped from the Test squad, despite his consistent performances. However, Imrul’s determination and dedication to the sport have always driven him to bounce back stronger.
One of Imrul’s most memorable moments came in 2015 during a Test match against Pakistan. In that match, he scored a remarkable 150 runs while also filling in as the wicketkeeper for 83 overs. Alongside Tamim, he forged a partnership that set the world record for the highest second-innings opening stand in Test cricket, surpassing the record held by Colin Cowdrey and Geoff Pullar since 1960.
Imrul’s career has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but he has always managed to make comebacks. In 2016, under the guidance of coach Chandika Hathurusingha, he found success in ODI cricket, scoring his second century in the format against England. His exemplary performances earned him a place in Bangladesh’s 2017 Asia Cup squad.
In 2018, Imrul further proved his worth as a talented cricketer. During the Asia Cup, he displayed match-winning efforts against Afghanistan, and against Zimbabwe in October of the same year, he scored a remarkable 349 runs in the three-match ODI series, narrowly missing out on Babar Azam’s world-record aggregate.
Imrul’s journey in international cricket has been a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the setbacks he has faced, his consistent performances and ability to make impactful contributions have solidified his position as a valuable asset to the Bangladesh cricket team.
Off the field, Imrul is known for his humble and down-to-earth nature. He is admired by fans for his hard work, discipline, and positive attitude. Imrul’s passion for cricket continues to drive him to set new goals and achieve greater heights in his career.
Overall, Imrul Kayes is an exceptional cricket player who has made significant contributions to the Bangladesh cricket team. His ability to adapt and perform in different formats of the game, combined with his tenacity and resilience, make him a formidable force in international cricket.