Despite his recent struggles, Bangladesh’s stand-in captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has expressed strong support for star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. On Sunday, September 22, Shanto addressed the media and assured Shakib that he would regain his form soon. Shakib, currently going through a lean patch, has faced criticism due to his poor performances in recent matches.
Shakib’s Recent Struggles
Shakib Al Hasan, known as one of the best all-rounders in the world, has been having a tough time recently. His performance with both bat and ball has been below expectations in the last five matches. The 37-year-old has only scored 95 runs and has taken just 3 wickets. Fans and critics have expressed concerns about whether Shakib is losing his form, but Shanto remains optimistic.
Recent Performance Summary of Shakib Al Hasan
| Match Date | Runs Scored | Wickets Taken | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Sep-2024 | 12 | 0 | Sri Lanka | Lost |
| 15-Sep-2024 | 28 | 1 | India | Won |
| 18-Sep-2024 | 10 | 1 | Pakistan | Lost |
| 20-Sep-2024 | 25 | 0 | South Africa | Lost |
| 22-Sep-2024 | 20 | 1 | Afghanistan | Won |
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Support
Shanto spoke positively about the all-rounder, who has taken over as the skipper due to Shakib’s injuries and off-form issues. He stated, “Shakib is a champion player. He had always performed when the team needed him the most. Every player goes through ups and downs. I believe he will come back stronger.”
Shanto acknowledged that Shakib’s dip in performance was not due to a lack of effort. He mentioned that the senior player is training hard and is determined to help Bangladesh succeed. Shanto’s backing will likely boost Shakib’s morale as he looks to regain his form.
Shakib’s Impact on Bangladesh Cricket
Shakib Al Hasan has been a crucial part of the Bangladesh cricket team for over a decade. He has often single-handedly won matches for his team with his all-around skills. Here’s a quick look at his overall career achievements:
- Matches Played: 230 (ODIs)
- Runs Scored: 7,190
- Wickets Taken: 295
- Centuries: 9
- Half-Centuries: 49
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 5
Shakib’s experience and ability to perform in crucial moments make him a valuable asset to the team. It is not uncommon for even the best players to have off periods, and Shakib has always bounced back in the past.
Shanto’s Rising Leadership
Najmul Hossain Shanto has matured in handling the captaincy role, especially during this challenging phase. His positive attitude and support for struggling players indicate his leadership qualities. He is focused on keeping the team’s morale high and ensuring they perform as a unit.
Shanto has also been impressive with the bat. He has scored consistently in recent matches, helping Bangladesh stay competitive. His recent scores of 45, 60, 78, and 32 show that he is stepping up when needed.
What’s Next for Shakib?
Many fans and experts believe Shakib will soon return to his best form. He has faced similar situations before and has always managed to overcome them. Shakib is known for his resilience and mental toughness. His next few games will be crucial, and if he finds his rhythm, he could be a game-changer for Bangladesh.
The team management has also shown faith in Shakib. They have stated that he will continue to be part of the XI team. This approach shows that they want to give him the opportunity and time to regain his form without added pressure.
Support from Teammates and Coach
Apart from Shanto, other teammates have also backed Shakib. Senior players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad have shown their confidence in Shakib’s abilities. The team coach, Chandika Hathurusingha, also spoke in Shakib’s favor. He stated, “Shakib is a proven match-winner. It’s only a matter of time before he returns to his best. We have full confidence in him.”
Shakib’s Focus on Improving Fitness
Shakib has faced some fitness issues in recent times, which might have impacted his performance. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has arranged special training sessions for him to regain his fitness. Shakib also works with personal trainers and dieticians to ensure he is in the best shape.
Upcoming Matches: Shakib’s Chance to Shine
In the coming weeks, Bangladesh will play against top teams like Australia and New Zealand. These matches will be crucial for Shakib to prove his critics wrong and return to his best form. Fans are eagerly waiting to see him perform and regain his confidence.
Bangladesh’s Upcoming Match Schedule
| Match Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 25-Sep-2024 | Australia | Dhaka |
| 28-Sep-2024 | New Zealand | Chattogram |
| 01-Oct-2024 | Pakistan | Dhaka |
| 05-Oct-2024 | South Africa | Chattogram |
Fans’ Reactions
Bangladesh cricket fans have mixed reactions to Shakib’s performance. While some are disappointed, most believe he will bounce back soon. Social media is filled with messages of support and encouragement for the experienced all-rounder. Many believe that Shakib has the potential to lead the team to victory in the upcoming matches.
Shakib Al Hasan has faced challenges before and emerged stronger. This time will likely be no different. As the upcoming matches approach, all eyes will be on Shakib to see if he can rediscover his magic and lead Bangladesh to more victories.
