Shakib Al Hasan, the crowd-favourite all-rounder from Bangladesh, appears to finish on a excessive in World Cup 2023

Ask the Bangladesh cricket devoted about their favorite participant within the crew and the overwhelming odds are that the response could be Shakib Al Hasan.

The script on the M. A. Chidambaram in Chennai forward of Bangladesh’s ICC World Cup 2023 sport in opposition to New Zealand was no totally different as a band of green-clad followers, some with a tiger figurine atop their caps, shouted their captain’s title when engaged with the query.

Bangladesh cricket has been blessed with 4 generational stars during the last decade and a half, with Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and the now-retired Mashrafe Mortaza becoming a member of Shakib on the forefront of the crew’s zenith.

But, with the sheer weight of information he has accrued, there shall be only a few counter-arguments on calling Shakib the best to don the inexperienced and crimson jersey of the Tigers.

Only Sanath Jayasuriya and Shahid Afridi have matched Shakib’s document of 7000+ runs and 300+ wickets within the historical past of One Day International (ODI) cricket. Add to that his 4000+ runs and 200+ wickets in Tests and Shakib finds his place among the many creme de la creme of worldwide all-rounders in historical past.

He isn’t any slouch within the shortest format both, with 2000+ runs and 140+ wickets in T20Is other than his exploits in leagues across the globe.

Shakib’s significance was delivered to the fore once more within the match in opposition to New Zealand in Chennai, as he constructed an essential stand with Mushfiqur to avoid wasting Bangladesh’s blushes after being decreased to 56-4 inside the thirteenth over.

After a gradual and cautious begin, the southpaw endured a irritating few deliveries, lacking a number of cuts and punches exterior off stump in opposition to the pacers, however he battled on to take Bangladesh previous 150 inside 30 overs.

A pressure within the thigh whereas finishing a fast single, probably as a result of warmth and humidity on the venue, noticed him needing medical consideration.

RELATED: Mushfiqur Rahim’s rescue act: A glimpse of brilliance in Bangladesh’s loss in opposition to New Zealand

The skipper switched gears thereafter, going after the bowling, which ultimately led to his dismissal at 40.

Shakib – as has been the case all through his profession – complimented an honest batting outing along with his bowling prowess.

He trapped Devon Conway, a crowd favorite – as he performs for Chennai Super Kings within the Indian Premier League – and the match’s main scorer, in entrance, foxing him along with his tempo variation.

A couple of off-field altercations and his on-field manner have, at occasions, plagued his picture within the cricketing fraternity, with an alleged bust-up with Tamim, simply forward of the World Cup, being the most recent controversy surrounding him. But when it comes to purely cricket, Shakib has unparallel as an all-rounders in Bangladesh.

File Photo: An alleged bust-up with Tamim, simply forward of the World Cup, was the most recent controversy surrounding Shakib as a captain.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS

Will Bangladesh ever have a participant able to nearing, not to mention surpassing, Shakib’s fabled legacy?

Mehidy Hasan Miraz is being touted as a doable long-term successor to Shakib. His batting has ultimately blossomed during the last 12 months after half a decade of mediocrity, however the Off Spinner is but to make his combination performances throughout the three departments result in match wins for the nation.

The 2023 World Cup may see the tip of an period in Bangladesh cricket and its talismanic all-rounder’s achievements shall be recorded in cricket historical past for the upcoming generations of cricket followers to venerate.