World T20 loss to India still haunts us: Shakib Al Hasan

In Bangladesh, Shakib-AL-Hasan is a household name. Along with skipper Mashrafe Mortaza, Shakib enjoys the fame and respect he is given in the country that is seemingly having a change of fortunes in its recent history.

The World T20 saw the Bangladeshis come ever so close to qualifying from the Super 10s. Against the Indians in Bangalore, Bangladesh required just two runs to win from the last three deliveries. However, Hardik Pandya reduced the odds of a Bangladesh win by picking up two of the three wickets of the last three deliveries. Shakib-Al-Hasan has stated that the loss still haunts them, even to this day.

“I don’t think we, as a team or as a nation, can forget that game ever. I hope that someday, we play a match like that against India and win it so that we can forget that game. But, it still keeps coming back.”

“It’s difficult to explain what happened. Chasing is always difficult and tension played a big role,” he starts. “Those who are good at chasing, they always plan well. We can’t just keep focusing on the scoreboard because it builds additional pressure.

“We should have approached it the same way we would have while batting first. I feel that’s the better plan. Yes, the target and the overs reaming are always there at the back of the mind. Once you get into a good position, then you can adjust and time the chase well. We didn’t do that.”

Speaking about his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders, Shakib said, “It has been great, he gushes talking about the journey with the Knight Riders. It has been six years – I missed a few games due to international duty. I’ve enjoyed being part of this franchise. This opportunity came to me at a crucial time. This was needed. IPL, and playing for Kolkata, has helped me improve as a cricketer.”

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“The support staff has always been very helpful. Not just for me, but for everyone on the side. Whenever we need anything, they try to provide us with it. If you look at the support staff we have, there is Wasim Akram, Jacques Kallis, Simon Katich, Mark Boucher. They are all legends of the game. So obviously, you expect the best from them.”

“We don’t have any plans as such but we’ll discuss him in the team meeting,” he says with a cheeky grin. “I obviously won’t reveal all his secrets. Ultimately he represents Bangladesh and I want him to keep doing well for the country. There’s so much of analysis now that in the end people will figure him out, but I’m not revealing any secrets at the moment.” Shakib concluded.