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Bangladesh Gear Up for the Future Without Shakib Al Hasan
As Bangladesh prepares for the three-match T20I series against India, set to take place in Gwalior on October 6, the national cricket team is faced with significant changes. With a lot of discussions around team composition and strategies, Bangladesh is ready to enter a new phase without their legendary all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, who recently announced his retirement from T20I cricket.
Shakib bid farewell to the T20 format before the second Test against India in Kanpur, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over 17 years and 209 days — the longest in T20I history. He leaves behind an unmatched legacy as both Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer and wicket-taker in the format.
A New Era for Bangladesh Cricket Without Shakib
With Shakib no longer part of the squad, the focus now shifts to finding suitable replacements. All eyes are on Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has returned to the T20I squad after a 14-month hiatus. Considered a long-term solution to fill the void left by Shakib, Mehidy’s inclusion has sparked discussions about the playing XI, particularly whether Mahedi Hasan will make way for him, despite being one of the most effective bowlers in the PowerPlay.
Former national spin bowling coach, Mushtaq Ahmed, emphasized the opportunities this new era presents for players who have been waiting for their chance. “This is a significant moment for both Mehidy and Mahedi. They have a great opportunity to prove their worth for Bangladesh and themselves,” Mushtaq said in an interview with Cricbuzz.
Mushtaq also noted that while right-handed batsmen can be impactful, having left-handers like Shakib in the middle order often troubles the opposition. He stressed that players like Mehidy must step up not just with the ball but also improve their batting, following Shakib’s example.
Big Shoes to Fill: Shakib’s Legacy and Lessons for the Future
Mushtaq further highlighted that players who step into Shakib’s shoes must possess the same “big heart” that defined Shakib’s approach to the game. “Shakib’s greatest strength was his big heart. He wasn’t afraid of failure. In international cricket, you must be bold and take risks. Shakib was always ready to take chances, whether with the bat or ball, and that’s what made him a great player,” Mushtaq explained.
He elaborated that Shakib’s ability to dominate the opposition when he was in form, especially during tournaments like the 2019 World Cup, made him a game-changer. “When Shakib was in good rhythm, he single-handedly won games for Bangladesh. Players who aim to replace him must develop that same aggressive mindset.”
Mushtaq advised the younger players that success in international cricket comes from taking calculated risks. “You cannot worry about failure. To achieve something, you must go for wickets, take the catch, or hit the ball when necessary. Shakib did that, and that’s why he was the world’s number one all-rounder.”
Bangladesh’s Next Steps Under Hathurusingha
Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha echoed Mushtaq’s sentiments but acknowledged that finding a direct replacement for Shakib is easier said than done. “Succession plans are always part of cricket, especially for a player at Shakib’s stage of his career. But finding a like-for-like replacement for someone like Shakib is challenging,” Hathurusingha remarked after the team’s recent loss in Kanpur.
The upcoming series against India will be Bangladesh’s first significant test in the post-Shakib era. As the team adapts to life without their star player, they are also contending with the intense heat and humidity of Gwalior, where the conditions reached a sweltering 34 degrees Celsius, feeling even hotter with the humidity.
Preparations Underway in Gwalior Amid Hot Conditions
The Bangladesh squad began their preparations at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium (SMRSC) on Thursday, October 3, as they gear up for the first T20I match. The SMRSC stadium is set to host its first international game, and security measures have been heightened due to a bandh called by local right-wing groups.
Despite these external factors, Bangladesh’s focus remains on the field as they prepare for their life without Shakib Al Hasan, hoping to find new stars who can carry forward the legacy he has left behind.
