New Delhi: Former India batter Virender Sehwag once again targeted Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan after his dismal outing against India in the Super 8 clash between the two sides in the T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday. India thrashed Bangladesh by 50 runs in the game to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament and inch closer to a spot in the semi-finals.
Batting first, India rode on Hardik Pandya’s brilliant knock of unbeaten 50 off 27 balls and crucial contributions from the likes of Virat Kohli (38) and Rishabh Pant (36) to post a strong total of 196 runs on the board. In reply, Bangladesh were restricted to 146/8 in 20 overs after another stellar bowling effort from the Men in Blue.
Shakib failed to deliver for Bangladesh as the senior all-rounder was dismissed cheaply on just 11 runs off 7 balls by Kuldeep Yadav during Bangladesh’s run chase at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Reacting to Shakib’s performance in the game, Sehwag minced no words as he slammed the former Bangladesh skipper.
“When you have a set batter with you at the crease, at least support him. At least stay out in the middle and spend some time, try to get something out of the match. Instead, only 11 runs were scored off seven deliveries and then he walked back. So, I did not understand that,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.
Shakib needs to make way for a younger player: Sehwag
Shakib, who is one of the most experienced players in the Bangladesh squad, was sent out to bat at no.5 against India when his team was in a decent position at 76/3 in the 12th over. He was expected to spearhead Bangladesh’s run chase but the left-hander was dismissed by spinner Kuldeep Yadav trying to play a big shot.
Sehwag criticised Shakib for not utilising his experience in the crunch situation and letting his team down despite being one of the senior players in the team. The former India opener questioned if Shakib even cares about the team and suggested the all-rounder needs to make way for a youngster in the team.
“He has so much experience. So, is he not making the most of it or does he simply not care? or was he thinking that the target is too big and I just scored a six, and now I will score a six off every ball. That’s why I said it the last time itself, he needs to make way for a younger player now,” Sehwag added.
The defeat against India on Saturday confirmed Bangladesh’s exit from T20 World Cup 2024. They lost their Super 8 opener against Australia and are yet to open their account in the phase. Bangladesh will lock horns with Afghanistan in their final Super 8 clash at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent on Monday. Bangladesh will look to sign off from the tournament on a high with a win against high-flying Afghanistan.
Former India batter Virender Sehwag once again lashed out at Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan after his poor show against India in the Super Eight of T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
