(AP Photo)
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag strongly criticized Shakib Al Hasan, the seasoned Bangladesh all-rounder, for his underwhelming batting performance in the recent T20 World Cup 2024 match against India in Antigua. Sehwag lamented Shakib’s inability to translate his vast experience into impactful performances on the field despite being one of the most seasoned players in the tournament.
“This was the day for Shakib Al Hasan. It was a big team today, and batsman Shanto was playing alongside him, so he should have supported and played together. If they had taken the game to 15-16 overs, it would have been better. They left too early, so I think Shakib was quite disappointed to see that because he has so much experience, and he did not take advantage of it,” Sehwag commented.
Previously, the former Indian opening batsman had remarked on Shakib, suggesting that it might be the right moment for him to retire and pave the way for younger talents to emerge and make their mark in the sport.
He said, “I mean to say, if a batsman is playing with you, you should stay with him. You have that much experience. Yes, stay with him and try to build the match. But you got out after making 11 runs in seven balls; I didn’t understand that. You have so much experience, but you’re not using it. Either you don’t care or you think the target is too big, and if you get out, it doesn’t matter. But it can’t be like that”.
You didn’t use your experience, and that’s what I said last time as well that it might be time for Shakib Al Hasan to make way for a new player,” Sehwag commented.
