Zakir Hasan was on cloud nine after Indian head coach Rahul Dravid congratulated him for his century on Test debut in the ongoing match against Bangladesh at Chattogram.
After his impressive exploits for Bangladesh A, the southpaw was called up to the national setup in place of an injured Tamim Iqbal.
While Zakir was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj in the first innings for 20, he notched up his maiden century in the longest format on Day 4 of the opening Test against India.
The 24-year-old scored 100 off 224 balls with 12 fours and a six before veteran off-spinner R Ashwin got rid of him.
"Sir (Rahul) greeted me. He said I batted well. It is inspirational for such a great player and coach coming to congratulate me. It is a great feeling. I feel good scoring a hundred. I didn't have many expectations and all I wanted was to bat long since we are facing two days and a big total,” Zakir was quoted as saying after the fourth day’s play.
"I wanted to bat a little longer for the team. It might have been easier for them (in the chase). I have usually batted at No 3 and 4. I haven't opened the batting much. I usually face the new ball in first-class cricket. At times you get to bat after the first ball if you are at No 3, so you have to face the new ball. I was confident," he added.
Earlier, Zakir Hasan was awarded Player of the Match award for his match-saving knock against India A in the first unofficial Test.
"That innings (173 not out against India A) provided me a lot of confidence. I was trying to follow the same process of that innings. It was in the back of my mind that I must stick to the process while playing. A big score leading into a national call-up is certainly a turning point," he stated.
Chasing 513 to win the Chattogram Test, Zakir Hasan (100) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (67) frustrated the Indian bowers for the entire opening session on Day 4 and added 124 runs for the first wicket.
However, the tourists pulled back things in the last two sessions as they reduced Bangladesh to 272/6 at stumps on Day 4.
(India Today inputs)
