Bangladesh veteran Shakib Al Hasan finally emerged from his lean patch with a stellar performance in a crucial match against the Netherlands in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
This was perhaps the first time in his illustrious career that Shakib faced scrutiny over his form, with both his batting and bowling struggling in recent outings.
Facing doubts about his place in the team, Shakib responded emphatically with a match-winning display, scoring an unbeaten 64 at number four, his first T20I half-century since October 2022.
Prior to the Netherlands game, he had scored just 8 against Sri Lanka and 3 against South Africa in his last two innings.
Asked about silencing his critics, Shakib stated, “A player’s job is to contribute to the team, whether with bat, ball, or in the field.
I don’t feel the need to answer anyone.
If a player can’t contribute, discussions are natural, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
Emphasizing the importance of the two points earned in the group stage, especially with Sri Lanka’s elimination, Shakib highlighted the significance of team success over personal achievements.
“I have always focused on how I can contribute to the team rather than personal goals,” he remarked.
Praising young leg spinner Rishad Hossain and the entire bowling unit, Shakib credited their collective efforts for the team’s success.
He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to defeat Nepal in their final group game and secure a spot in the Super 8 stage, citing the team’s current form and unity as key factors in their favor.
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