‘I won't be Shakib if I change’

Shakib has saved Bangladesh from batting disasters on many an occasion and it was no different on day three of their ongoing one-off Test match against host India at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Saturday. However, fingers are being pointed towards him for his approach with the bat in Test cricket that often puts his team into trouble. Bangladesh on Saturday had gone into the field with the hope of survival. But an early dismissal of Tamim Iqbal from a run-out made things shaky. Bangladesh were reeling on 109 runs for four wickets when Shakib took charge of the situation alongside Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim. The duo produced a cameo of what they exhibited last month in the away Test against New Zealand – putting on a deadly stand. Shakib and Mushfiq added 107 for the fifth wicket against India with some aggressive batting seen rarely in Test cricket. Shakib-Mushfiq’s partnership added some quick runs on the board, forcing the Indian fielders to be stationed at the boundary. With that said, it always appeared that they were susceptible to getting dismissed if things had not slowed down. Bangladesh needed to survive, rather than putting on quick runs as it will only have limited effect on India’s massive first innings total of 687/6 declared. The horror was eventually realised when Shakib got himself out after getting caught at mid-on from a poor shot. He made 85 off 103 balls, his best score against India. This has been happening to Shakib quite often now. The left-handed batsmen gets set, starts to dominate only to be dismissed from a horrible shot selection. As a result, criticisms fly his way as to whether his mentality is right for Tests. There are many who blame Shakib for putting the team in trouble due to his “unacceptable” mindset in the longer-version cricket. The last time Shakib got himself out in a similar fashion was against New Zealand where he put up a record stand with Mushfiq and scored a double hundred. On the final day of the game, Bangladesh were desperate to survive and hold on for a draw but Shakib had other plans – to get out from a shot that he claims to be a part of his natural game. There have been at least 10 more similar occasions when Shakib had put himself in the firing line. Talks of criticism however, does not bother Shakib at all. “I don’t think on those lines. What I think is I like to contribute for the team which means I am not happy enough when I score 217 and get out. I want to score more for the team. But I know that’s not going to happen every time. And just for that, I am not going to change my style of play. I know if I change I won't be Shakib. That’s my way of thinking,” Shakib tried to explain in the press conference. Shakib’s explanation might not be accepted by many who believe Test cricket is a game of patience and composure. But then again the question remains, the Bangladesh think-tank always gives room for freedom to its players. And as far as Shakib is concerned, there has been zero criticism, both on and off the record, by his team for the way he likes to operate – playing his natural game.