As the T20 World Cup is set to roll into the vibrant Caribbean, all eyes are on Bangladesh's talisman, Shakib Al Hasan, whose form has been a talking point in recent times. The West Indies phase of the tournament presents a beacon of hope for Shakib, a stage set for potential resurgence. With a history of remarkable performances in these tropical climes, the anticipation for Shakib to rediscover his rhythm and lead his team with characteristic brilliance is palpable. This leg of the World Cup could very well be the turning point, the moment when Shakib turns the tide and reminds the world of his prowess.
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's struggle for form in international T20s is evident, with his last half-century dating back 19 innings. It was against Pakistan in Christchurch on October 13, 2022. Since then, he's had nine instances of scoring in double digits. If we consider all formats, his last fifty was against Sri Lanka in an ODI on November 6, 2021. In the T20 series against Zimbabwe last May, followed by matches against the USA and two T20 World Cup games, Shakib has amassed a total of 69 runs across seven matches.
Shakib's bowling during these matches has been equally underwhelming, raising questions about his effectiveness. His performance in the T20 World Cup was particularly concerning, where he bowled just four overs in two matches against Sri Lanka and South Africa, without taking any wickets.
Shakib, who has been a mainstay in Bangladesh's batting and bowling lineup for nearly one and a half decades, is now struggling to complete his bowling quota. His batting approach and dismissals in these matches have also come under scrutiny. However, Shakib has previously proven his critics wrong. It's said that criticism brings out the best in Shakib. There have been numerous occasions where, despite a lack of form and facing criticism, Shakib has excelled in crucial matches. While his name carries weight and fans are accustomed to his comebacks, delving into statistics isn't necessary. Fans expect Shakib to rebound. They also believe that if anyone can defy age and poor form, it's Shakib. Could the T20 World Cup be the stage for another such turnaround?
Bangladesh's next match against Nepal is scheduled for Sunday at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St. Vincent. The silver lining for Shakib is the opportunity to regain form against two relatively weaker opponents in a region where he has historically excelled.
A review of Shakib's international T20 career reveals that the West Indies is one of the two places outside his home country where he has scored the most runs, the other being New Zealand. Interestingly, his match count, innings, and run tally in T20s are identical for both locations. He has scored 213 runs in 7 matches and 7 innings, with a strike rate higher than his career average in T20s—137.41 in the West Indies and 135.66 in New Zealand.
Considering all three formats, Shakib's performance is even more favorable in the Caribbean. He has taken 43 wickets in 33 innings across 30 matches. Only in Zimbabwe has bowler Shakib's performance surpassed that in the Caribbean—48 wickets in 34 innings across 30 matches.
Shakib's franchise league performance in the West Indies is also noteworthy. He has experienced championship success in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He knows how to thrive on that ground. In the CPL, Shakib has taken 37 wickets in 34 innings across 36 matches. His best bowling figure in all forms of T20 cricket—6 wickets for 6 runs—was achieved in the CPL on West Indies soil. Although his batting in the CPL isn't extraordinary, it's still commendable.
Yes, Shakib is experiencing a rough patch. The murmurs of his decline aren't entirely unfounded. However, champions shine brightest when facing adversity. The stage is set for Shakib to showcase his talent once again in the West Indies, where he has consistently performed well. With hope and patience, we can anticipate Shakib's return to form.
