Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team, is no exception. In a surprising turn of events, Shakib traveled to Dhaka to train with his mentor, Nazmul Abedeen Faheem, even as the rest of the team arrived in Kolkata for their upcoming matches against the Netherlands and Pakistan. This unique approach speaks volumes about Shakib’s dedication to improving his game and helping Bangladesh rise from their current World Cup struggles.
Underwhelming performances at the ICC World Cup prompted Shakib to seek specialized training. With just 56 runs in four innings and six wickets, Shakib has faced a challenging tournament. Bangladesh’s team, too, has encountered a tough road, with four losses out of five games and a spot at the bottom of the points table. In the face of these challenges, Shakib recognized the need for change.
Shakib’s journey to Dhaka is more than just a change of scenery. It’s a quest for redemption and an opportunity to refine his skills. Upon his arrival, he headed straight to the Shere Bangla National Stadium to work closely with Aberdeen. This rigorous training session lasted three hours, focusing on honing his batting skills.
Abedeen Faheem, Shakib’s mentor, is playing a crucial role in this endeavor. He understands Shakib’s game better than most and recognizes the nuances that need improvement. “He arrived today. We will be training for three days,” Faheem shared. “Today, tomorrow, and the day after, he will return to Kolkata. We worked on his batting today.”
This mentor-student partnership highlights the power of personalized guidance and mentorship in cricket. It’s a testament to Shakib’s commitment to his success and the team’s prospects in the tournament.
“Shakib probably feels comfortable working this way,” Faheem said. “I am not sure what we will do next – I will take each session as he wants.”
Shakib’s decision to temporarily leave the World Cup campaign and work with a personal coach in his home country deviates from the norm. It’s uncommon for a captain to opt for such a path during a major tournament. However, it reflects Shakib’s focus on the bigger picture and his desire to lead Bangladesh to victory.
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This isn’t the first time Shakib has chosen this unique training approach. In 2019, during the Indian Premier League (IPL), when his team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, left him out of the playing XI, he returned to Dhaka to train with local coach Mohammad Salahuddin. That decision paid off as he focused on the upcoming ODI World Cup in England and Wales, where he scored 606 runs and took nine wickets.
Shakib plans to return to Kolkata on October 27, just a day before the match against the Netherlands. It will be interesting to see how this unique approach impacts his performance and Bangladesh’s fortunes in the World Cup.
