Image Credit- Getty
Although Shakib Al Hasan’s mid-event travel to Dhaka
caused controversy, the captain’s extra training has won the squad over in
Bangladesh. They appreciated Shakib’s effort, according to Taskin Ahmed, to
take his day off work and return to Dhaka for batting practises.
On October 25, the day following Bangladesh’s World
Cup match in Mumbai against South Africa, Shakib travelled to Dhaka. He
proceeded directly to the Shere Bangla National Stadium, where he received
training from Nazmul Abedeen, his childhood guru. Although it was more for
Shakib’s comfort to bat with Abedeen, whom he has known since his teens, he
improved on a few of his shots. After it became widely publicised, he
reportedly received counsel from the team management to return to Kolkata on
October 26.
“He informed the team management that he needs to
work on his batting,” Taskin said. “It was a rest day, plus Dhaka is
close to Kolkata. He didn’t go to Dhaka for any other purpose. It was
cricket-related. He went after the coach and management told him its fine. He
didn’t break any rules. He took permission. He batted for four hours on the
first day. He practiced on the second day before returning to Kolkata. As
players and teammates, we appreciate that he batted on a rest day. His batting
is so important to the team, that he too is desperate about improving it.”
Taskin reported that he was cleared by the team
physicians to play on Saturday against the Netherlands. He claimed to have had
a shoulder ache for longer than two years, which caused him to miss two games.
“I had this shoulder injury for the first time in
South Africa two years ago. I have a tear in my tendon for a long time. I am
playing by managing it. Even in the Asia Cup and World Cup I am playing with it
and suddenly it became swollen.
“Doctor and physio did the MRI and it was found
out so I took rest for couple of days and now I am feeling better. I am
personally in a good shape and after playing can I understand where I
stand,” he said.