During Bangladesh's T20 World Cup campaign, Shakib Al Hasan has turned his game around and brought new energy to the team. Despite struggling with his batting in the past, Shakib's performance in the team's important 25-run victory over the Netherlands has impressed many. He also addressed the criticisms from former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag.
Shakib's recent standout performance included a crucial 46-ball 64, a stark difference from his previous lacklustre matches in Group D. As a seasoned player, Shakib had faced heavy criticism for his underwhelming performances against Sri Lanka and South Africa. However, his recent success has silenced his critics and reinvigorated the team's hopes in the tournament.
Sehwag's comments, particularly damning after Bangladesh's narrow loss to South Africa, didn't escape Shakib's notice. However, when asked about Sehwag's remarks in the post-match press conference, Shakib brushed them off, stating that he didn't concern himself with external opinions.
"A player never comes to answer anyone else," Shakib asserted, emphasising that his focus remained solely on contributing to the team's success through his performance on the field. He reiterated the fundamental responsibilities of a player: to bat, bowl, and field to the best of their abilities.
Acknowledging the inevitability of criticism during periods of poor form, Shakib maintained his composure, asserting, "There is nothing to answer to anyone." He recognised that underperformance invites scrutiny but remained steadfast in his commitment to improving his game for the betterment of the team.
Shakib's illustrious career speaks volumes about his credentials as a top-tier all-rounder. With over 800 runs and 47 wickets in nine T20 World Cup editions, he stands as the tournament's leading all-rounder. His contribution to Bangladesh cricket spans over a decade, marked by remarkable consistency and versatility across formats.
In the face of criticism, Shakib's resilience and dedication to his craft shines through, epitomising the essence of a true competitor striving for excellence on the global stage.