Against All Odds: Shakib Al Hasan's stellar 2011 journey

 

In the unpredictable realm of cricket, where fortunes can shift with the gust of a breeze, few individuals possess the charisma and confidence to leave an indelible mark. Representing one of the weaker teams on the global stage, it takes an extraordinary individual to emerge as the world’s number one allrounder. In 2011, that remarkable individual was Shakib Al Hasan, a prodigious talent hailing from Magura, Bangladesh—a feat that still commands admiration.

The year commenced on a bitter note for Shakib. As captain, he grappled with the immense expectations of a nation—over 160 million dreams resting on his shoulders. The mounting pressures led to a tumultuous relationship with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, resulting in the loss of his captaincy and thrusting him into a maelstrom of chaos and controversy. Yet, within this turmoil, Shakib’s innate resilience began to surface.

What sets Shakib apart is not merely his skill but his champion’s mentality—the ability to shake off frustrations and rebound with even greater vigor. As 2011 progressed, he transformed adversity into opportunity, showcasing his brilliance with bat and ball. Throughout the year, Shakib amassed 564 runs at an average of 33.18, while excelling in the Test arena, where he scored 451 runs at an impressive average of 50.11. 

His prowess as a bowler was equally formidable; Shakib was not just a wicket-taker but a genuine threat to opposing batsmen. In the third ODI against the West Indies, his performance was instrumental in restricting them to a meager total. In the Test matches against both West Indies and Pakistan, he demonstrated surgical precision with the ball, effectively dismantling batting line-ups that often outclassed his teammates.

Throughout five Tests, Shakib captured 21 wickets at an average of 28.61, with a strike rate of 61.8 and an economy rate of 2.77. In the ODI format, his performance was equally commendable, with 25 wickets from 25 matches at an average of 28.08 and an economy rate of 4.33. His statistical feats reflect not only his capability but his unwavering commitment to the game.

Shakib's accomplishments also etched his name in the annals of cricketing history. His remarkable 144 against Pakistan, coupled with a six-wicket haul, marked only the ninth instance in Test cricket where an allrounder has achieved such a dual feat. This was the seventh occurrence in the history of Test cricket and the second in the subcontinent, following in the footsteps of the legendary Imran Khan, who first achieved this against India in Faisalabad during the 1982-83 season.

In a team often beset by struggles, Shakib’s brilliance shone through. Unlike his fellow batsmen, who frequently succumbed to mental clutter, he maintained a clarity of purpose, executing his skills against even the most formidable opponents. As the year unfolded, Shakib emerged as the sole beacon of hope for Bangladesh, a shining star amidst the shadows of a challenging cricketing landscape.

In essence, Shakib Al Hasan’s journey in 2011 was not merely about numbers and records; it was a testament to his indomitable spirit and extraordinary talent, a narrative of resilience that continues to inspire a generation of cricketers in Bangladesh and beyond.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar