Shakib Al Hasan faced a challenging reception from fans as he departed the BCB academy after a rigorous net session with his mentor, Nazmul Abedin. These two have had a close association since Shakib’s early days at BKSP, the prestigious sports institute located in Savar.
In the ongoing World Cup, Shakib’s batting struggles have impacted his team’s performance. After a series of low scores, the left-handed batsman decided to leave Mumbai for a two-day intensive training session with Nazmul.
During the 2019 World Cup, Shakib reached the peak of his batting prowess, amassing 606 runs, including two centuries and five half-centuries. However, his form has declined significantly since then, exacerbated by an ICC ban for failing to report corrupt approaches.
Since his return from the ban in 2021, Shakib has played 38 matches and scored 1117 runs at an average of 33.84, which includes eight fifties. In the current tournament, he has struggled to make an impact, with scores of 14, 1, 40, and 1.
In his recent matches, Shakib’s struggles were evident, particularly against New Zealand. While he played a supporting role to Mushfiqur Rahim, he succumbed to the short ball strategy employed by Lockie Ferguson.
In the following games, Shakib’s dismissals showcased his difficulties – going for aggressive shots and failing to protect his stumps against England and South Africa.
Shakib’s mentor, Nazmul, did not disclose the specifics of their one-on-one sessions, but it’s clear they were focused on addressing the issues in Shakib’s batting. Opponents had figured out his strengths and weaknesses, primarily targeting his leg side.
To excel in the 50-over format, Shakib needs to enhance his leg side play, which is not typical for sub-continental players who tend to be stronger on the on-side.
Shakib is determined to make quick improvements before his team’s next game against the Netherlands, as time is running out for Bangladesh to make a comeback in the tournament.
Habibul Bashar, a former national skipper and a current member of the selection panel, remains confident in Shakib’s abilities and believes that it only takes one game for him to regain his form.
Shakib’s journey to rebuild his leg side game and return to his best form continues, with the ultimate goal of contributing significantly to Bangladesh’s success in international cricket.
- Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
