A stylish strokemaker by design, Imrul Kayes broke into the international scene in 2008 on the back of a tremendous debut season on the domestic circuit in 2007-08. Bangladesh's opening partnership struggles saw him being roped in as the latest partner for Tamim Iqbal. The initial years were difficult for Kayes as he was just not able to translate his innate potential into performances on the field. After being patient with him for a while, the selectors finally axed him in late 2011.

Kayes wasn't to be affected by this and instead took it upon himself to work his way back into the national side. It did take time, given the amount of talent in the country. Plus, the fact that Bangladesh cricket was on the rise also meant that he wouldn't have it easy at all. Kayes didn't give up though, and kept performing in domestic cricket and finally landed a recall in 2014. Having returned as a polished player, he has since then managed to be in the side on a regular basis, particularly in Tests. However, it's in ODIs that he has managed to show some sort of a resurgence although the consistency is still not as much as he would have liked. That said, 2016 and 2018 were good for the southpaw who couldn't make it to the 2019 World Cup.

Statistically, Kayes still has a long, long way to go before he can be regarded as a fine batsman in international cricket. His Test returns have been pathetic, given the long rope he has got and with young Shadman Islam having arrived, there is competition for Kayes. He hasn't learnt the art of being consistent and clearly, time is running out for him. He doesn't have to look beyond his opening partner Tamim who has turned things around in commendable fashion. Kayes definitely has a few more years of cricket left in him and it shall be interesting to see if he can last till the next World Cup in 2023.

By Hariprasad Sadanandan