Shakib Al Hasan’s absence in red-ball cricket for Bangladesh is quite a common scenario in recent years. In the last 24 Test matches that Bangladesh played, Shakib was absent in 16 of them.
Bangladesh started their mission for the 2nd edition of the World Test Championship with a 2-0 series loss against Pakistan and are due to play their second series of the Championship against New Zealand, starting from the 1st of January 2022.
However, Bangladesh’s key figure Shakib Al Hasan has taken another break from Test cricket citing ‘personal reasons’ for the break.
Recurrent breaks from Test cricket have raised questions in the minds of cricket followers regarding Shakib’s absence. In a recent interview with national daily Prothom Alo, the all-rounder answered some of these popular questions regarding his absence from red ball cricket.
Team Bangladesh is set to miss Shakib yet again in the upcoming New Zealand series and when asked about how he feels regarding the outside talks regarding his frequent breaks, the ace all-rounder replied the way he always does, “People usually say whatever they feel like.”
Shakib suggested comprehending the topic and context first and then talking about things.
“I can ask you how many series have I missed due to injury and how many I’ve taken a break from. People blame me without any particular reason. Do I really need to comment on these?”
Of late, the air has always been thick with rumours regarding Shakib’s reluctance to play Test cricket. But Shakib revealed that he is available for regular cricket from this January and he will be available for all formats.
“The matches I’ve missed are mostly due to injuries. In the 2nd Test versus Pakistan, I played the entire match despite not being fully fit, but people do not talk about this.”
“I’m currently using this break to get done with some personal work. I would like to keep them personal,” Shakib told Prothom Alo regarding his break from the New Zealand series.
Shakib is the only Bangladeshi player with the double of 4000+ Test runs and 200 wickets. There is no doubt about his experience in the format and his calibre as a Test cricketer.
However, without his presence in the Test team, Bangladesh have often found it tough to put on a good show in red-ball cricket. Well, Shakib sees this from a different perspective.
“I feel like my absence provides a new opportunity for the other players. If they can utilise this opportunity, Bangladesh will find 1-2 good players. But people need to have patience with these players who will need time to show their full potential.”
Shakib is hopeful with the current setup of the Test team and feels that the team will fight it out in New Zealand. He also mentioned that fast bowlers like Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain’s performances are vital for the Test team.
One question that persistently follows the premiere Bangladesh all-rounder is regarding his first priority– cricket or business.
“I only have one identity, I am a cricketer,” the reply is as simple as that for Shakib.
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