Shakib Al Hasan finally reveals why KKR have underused him in the tournament

Shakib Al Hasan has disclosed the reason why he is being left out in the playing XI of the Kolkata Knight Riders. The star all-rounder from Bangladesh seemed disappointed on being left out in almost all the matches so far in the tournament. The KKR think-tank went ahead with the likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile, Colin De Grandhomme, and Trent Boult instead of Shakib.

Even Darren Bravo got a game the Rising Pune Supergiant. Shakib has played only a single game in the tournament so far. He gave away as a many as 31 runs in 3 overs and scored a run while remaining unbeaten. The allrounder has been a pivotal component in the KKR line-up since he was bought by the franchise owners in the IPL auctions in 2011.

In the 43 games he has played for the side, Shakib has taken 43 wickets and scored 498 runs at a strike rate of 130. Since making a name for himself in franchise cricket, he has played all over the major T20 leagues in the world under prominent teams such as Adelaide Strikers, Jamaica Tallawahs, Karachi Kings and Dhaka Gladiators.

It is baffling to see the well-traveled athlete warm the benches in this edition of the IPL. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders think tank believe that the number 1 all rounder in the world deserves some rest ahead of the all-important ICC Champions Trophy this summer.

“It is a very different feeling especially if you are a left-out player; in those situations, things are much different of watching games from outside” added the Bangladeshi international. Shakib further explained that it is all about the perspective of individuals and he is currently experiencing the game in a different light.

“It’s up to every individual. It depends on how one is looking at the things. It’s quite different from different perspectives. If you are a spectator, you see it one way. If you are a coach, it’s the other. If you are a player, it’s different, and of course, if you are a left-out player, things are much more different.” quoting the southpaw to bdcrictime.com.

He concluded by saying that he would not want to reveal much about his inner feelings regarding being left out. “Obviously, I am having some experience. But I won’t reveal that. Let that be inside me. People who have never been witness to such experience, they can learn a lot from such situations.”