Bangladesh cricket star Shakib Al Hasan has fired back at former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag’s criticism following his stellar performance in Bangladesh’s 25-run victory over the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup.
The 37-year-old all-rounder had been under scrutiny for his lackluster performances in the tournament’s earlier matches, where he failed to pick up any wickets and scored a mere eight and three runs against Sri Lanka and South Africa respectively. Sehwag had been particularly vocal, criticizing Shakib’s form and suggesting that he should consider retiring from T20 cricket.
Source : TOI
“You are such an experienced player, you have been captain before, but your stats are such. You should feel ashamed of yourself and just declare that you are retiring from the T20 format,” Sehwag had commented on a Cricbuzz show following Bangladesh’s narrow four-run loss to South Africa.
Source:- India today
In response, Shakib delivered a match-winning performance against the Netherlands, scoring a crucial 64 off 46 balls to help Bangladesh post a total of 159. His efforts played a pivotal role in securing the win, significantly boosting Bangladesh’s chances of advancing to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.
When asked about Sehwag’s remarks during the post-match press conference, Shakib dismissed the criticism with a calm demeanor. “A player never comes (enters the field) to answer anyone else,” he stated. “A player’s task is to bat if he is a batter, contribute to the team, bowl well if he is a bowler as getting wickets sometimes also depends on luck, and if he is a fielder then to save runs and take the catches that come his way.”
Shakib further elaborated on his philosophy, emphasizing the importance of focusing on personal and team growth rather than external opinions. “Criticism is part of the game, and it motivates me to perform better. At the end of the day, my goal is to give my best for Bangladesh and help my team achieve success,” he added. Shakib’s composed and mature response not only silenced his critics but also highlighted his resilience and dedication, setting an example for aspiring cricketers and reaffirming his status as one of the game’s most respected players. With this victory, Shakib has reignited hope among fans and teammates alike, underscoring the unpredictable and thrilling nature of cricket.
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