Shakib: I have never been worried about my performance

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan said he does not play the game to answer critics and that it is standard that questions will be raised if a player is not performing upto the mark.

Shakib’s statement came on the back of heavy criticism the cricketer faced for his below par performance in the first two matches of the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup.

The left-arm all-rounder bounced back to form playing a pivotal role with the bat in Bangladesh's decisive 25-run win against the Netherlands at Arnos Vale Ground in Saint Vincent Thursday. 

After being sent in to bat first, Bangladesh found Shakib remain unbeaten on 64 off 46 deliveries, his first half-century in the format in 20 games, to post a competitive 159 on the board.

The bowlers later held the Dutch to 134 for eight in 20 overs.

Shakib bagged the Player of the Match award in the game.

In the first two matches of the competition, the 37-year old scored just eight and three runs against Sri Lanka and South Africa respectively.

The left-handed batter came under heavy criticism for the way he had given away his wicket against the Proteas.

Left-arm spinner Shakib was inconsistent with the ball as well.

Before the heroics against the Netherlands, Shakib had garnered only 69 runs in T20 Internationals in 2024 in six innings at an average of 11.5.

While with the ball, he has bagged six wickets in eight innings this year at an average of 30.5.

“A player never comes out to the field with the intention to answer a critic. A player’s job is to bat if he is a batter and bowl well if he is a bowler. Getting wickets sometimes also depends on luck to be honest. As a fielder, the job is to save runs and take the catches that come one’s way,” said Shakib to the media in Saint Vincent.

Shakib informed that it is usual for a player to get criticized and the selection to come under question if one does not perform well.

“There is nothing to answer to anyone.  I think when a player is not able to contribute to the team as much as is expected of him, then it usually invites a lot of questions, and I don't think it is a very bad thing,” said the former Bangladesh captain.

Shakib further said he has never been worried about his performance throughout his career.

“I have never been worried about my performance. I don't think that I ever had that thought in my career. I feel good if I can contribute to the team. As I said, maybe today is my day, but maybe someone else's day will come in the next match,” Shakib explained.

Apart from social and mainstream media, former India batter Virender Sehwag’s statement against Shakib has been a major talking point.

During a post-match analysis, Sehwag questioned Shakib’s place in the team due to his poor form and said he should have retired by now.

The former India opener also accused the Bangladesh all-rounder of not taking enough responsibility with the willow.