Shakib Al Hasan delivered a crucial performance, scoring a match-winning half-century that guided Bangladesh closer to securing a Super Eight berth in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. His unbeaten 64 runs propelled Bangladesh to set a target of 160 for the Netherlands, ultimately winning the match by 25 runs on Thursday.
Before this standout performance, Shakib faced sharp criticism from Indian cricket legend Virender Sehwag, who publicly questioned Shakib’s place in the T20I format. Sehwag, known for his candid opinions, suggested that the all-rounder should retire from T20Is.
“He shouldn’t be playing T20Is. You are such a senior player, you have been captain before, and your stats are well-known. You should feel ashamed and just announce your retirement from the T20 format. I told the selectors not to pick me for T20Is after I realized I couldn’t hit certain bowlers at will. I feel his time has already passed,” Virender Sehwag commented on Cricbuzz.
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Sehwag’s remarks followed Bangladesh’s defeat to South Africa in their second Group D match, where Shakib was dismissed for just 3 runs while attempting a pull shot off fast bowler Anrich Nortje.
“At least spend some time on this wicket. It’s not like you are Matthew Hayden or Adam Gilchrist who can play a pull shot well. You represent Bangladesh, so play accordingly. Hook or pull aren’t your shots, so just stick to the strokes that you know,” Virender Sehwag added.
When asked about Sehwag’s comments on Thursday, Shakib Al Hasan initially clarified the identity of his critic before addressing the issue. He emphasized that answering critics isn’t part of a player’s responsibilities.
“A player never comes to answer any questions (on the field),” Shakib Al Hasan stated. “A player’s job is to bat for the team if he’s a batsman and contribute accordingly. If he is a bowler, his job is to bowl well. The wicket is about luck. If he is a fielder, he should save each run and take as many catches as possible. There’s nothing to answer for anyone.”
He continued, “I think it is important for a current player to focus on how much he can contribute to his team. When he can’t contribute, then naturally there would be discussions, and I don’t think it is a bad thing.”
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Shakib Al Hasan stressed that his motivation has always been to support the team, rather than pursue personal milestones. “I don’t think I have ever thought about personal goals. I have always thought about how I can contribute to the team. If I were playing for personal achievement, I would have batted differently. I have been able to bat the way I needed to for the sake of the team. That is what is satisfying for me.”
Bangladesh’s next match is against Nepal on Sunday, and a victory will ensure their entry into the Super Eight stage.
