"There's nothing to answer for anyone" - Shakib Al Hasan responds to Virender Sehwag's criticism after match-winning performance in BAN vs NED clash
Shakib Al Hasan has responded to the heavy criticism he came in from Virender Sehwag after producing a match-winning performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup clash against the Netherlands. The Bangladesh all-rounder scored a brilliant 64* off 46 deliveries to help his team post a formidable 159/5 in 20 overs in Kingstown on Thursday, June 13.
The total proved sufficient as the Asian outfit restricted the Netherlands to 134/8 in 20 overs to win the crucial Group D clash by 24 runs.
Shakib endured a dismal start to the tournament with scores of 3 and 8 in Bangladesh's first two games against Sri Lanka and South Africa, respectively. He also went wicketless in both outings despite Bangladesh beating the Lankans.
His tame dismissal off a mistimed pull shot against the Proteas prompted former India opener Sehwag to question Shakib's place in the Bangladesh T20I side.
"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," said Sehwag on Cricbuzz.
When asked about Sehwag's comments in the press conference after the Netherlands clash, Shakib responded:
"A player never comes to answer any questions. A player's job is to bat for the team if he's a batsman and contributes to the team. If he is a bowler, his job is to bowl well. The wicket is about luck. If he is a fielder, he should save each run and take as many catches as he can. Here, actually, there's nothing to answer for anyone."
It was Shakib's first half-century in seven T20I innings in 2024, resulting in Bangladesh getting closer to Super Eight qualification.
They are second behind South Africa with four points in three games and need a win against Nepal to advance to the next stage.
“I have never been worried about my performance" - Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan stated he has never worried about his performances throughout his career.
The veteran all-rounder is arguably Bangladesh's most accomplished cricketer with over 14,550 runs and 700 wickets across formats in his illustrious international career.
"I think it is important for a current player how much he can contribute to his team. When he can't contribute, then naturally there would be discussions and I don't think it is a bad thing. 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," said Shakib in the same press conference.
Bangladesh play their final Group D game against Nepal at the same venue on Sunday, June 16.