IPL 10: Shakib Al Hasan hopes Kolkata Knight Riders wins the IPL this year

Kolkata Knight Riders have been in a rollicking form this year in the IPL. Over the years, they have been one of the most consistent teams in the tournament. The two-time champions have been a settled team in this edition as well. Their all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is hoping that the team goes on to win the tournament this year as well. Shakib did not have a major role to play for the team this year.

His services were not needed in the majority of the fixtures. The Bangladeshi all-rounder played only one game this season. He was not picked up in the subsequent fixtures and now the all-rounder is set to head for the national duties. Bangladesh have a preparatory camp in England and a tri-series in Ireland scheduled this month. Despite being away from the IPL action, Shakib is hopeful that KKR will win their third title this year.

“I could not contribute much for the team this season. But as a team we have been doing well, that’s much more important. The priority is the team, there’s no scope for complaining. I hope we become champions for the third time, as I won’t be around till the end the league,” said Shakib Al Hasan as per the quotes in the Indian Express.

He has no regrets about not being a part of the action for multiple games this season. Shakib noted that the professional players understand the fact that only four overseas players can make it to the playing eleven. But all players are always ready to be picked in the lineup.

“Professional cricketers are aware that the team is made as per the requirement, especially when you have a lot of overseas players. It’s about contributing. But whoever is not playing is also ready. I’m also approaching in the same way,” the Bangladeshi all-rounder pointed out.

Shakib is proud with the way KKR has been playing dominating cricket throughout the season. KKR have 14 points to their name and are just a win away from qualifying for the playoffs. He further spoke that the team is confident ahead of their home clash against Rising Pune Supergiant. He noted that the fact that they had earlier beaten the same opposition this season will give them a lot of confidence in this match as well.

“The whole season, we have played dominating cricket. There is confidence in everyone and winning is not a big deal for us, as we have a good record at home,” he said.

“We did well against them a few days ago. In IPL, every team is very competitive. Any team can beat any team. There’s not much of a difference between the top and bottom place teams. We have full faith in our team to do well,” he noted about playing against RPS.

The all-rounder had his words of praise for the Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir has well. He cited the results as a testimony of how good a captain Gambhir has been for KKR. Also, leading a team in franchise cricket is far more challenging which Gambhir seems to have perfectioned.

“He has been exceptional. It’s been seven years since I have been playing under him.  The way he runs the team is superb. It’s not easy to lead in franchise cricket. In the last seven years, we have qualified for knockouts or reached the top four. Not many teams have managed to do so. In 2012 and 2014 we have become champions and both (the wins have come) under him. It is for him that the team is doing well,” quoted Shakib.

Shakib Al Hasan is now set to be with the national team. Bangladesh are preparing hard for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. Shakib believes that being in a tough group in the tournament will be a challenge but the team will be ready for it. Bangladesh will play hosts England in the first match of the tournament on June 1.

“Any responsibility is challenging for the team. I’m taking it positively. Our T20I record is not well. There’s a lot to improve. We will hope to do well. In Test and ODIs, our situation was also similar but we have been doing well regularly. We are in a tough group. Australia and England who will be playing at home will be tough opponents. We have the confidence to do well and prove that we can do well in a world tournament,” Shakib Al Hasan conceded.