DLF Indian Premier League

'IPL stint was interesting'

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan will return home today after an enjoyable trip in the money-spinning Indian Premier League (IPL).

The all-rounder has impressed many with his left-arm spin in his first appearance in the meet for the Kolkata Knight Riders, who were eliminated from the competition after losing against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday.

Shakib bagged 11 wickets in seven matches with the economy rate of 6.86 but got the opportunity to bat only in three innings. The Tigers skipper however had no complaint about his position in the batting order rather he was excited with the overall experience he gained from the competition.

“I was a little bit nervous in the first game but from the second match onwards I enjoyed every moment. It was really an enjoyable trip for me. I think my bowling performance was not bad and it would have been better if I got more chance to bat. I have no complaints because I think the team planning was right. Main thing is that you have to take the opportunity when it comes to your way,” said Shakib while talking to The Daily Star Sport over phone yesterday.

“We had hardly got any time for training due to continuous traveling from one city to another but it was a great experience for me to spend time with players from different countries in the dressing room. There was a lot of fun, entertainment and of course the game itself in the middle. It was really an interesting experience for me,” he added.

Shakib also enjoyed the company of his former national team coach Dav Whatmore and former great Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram.

“I have discussed my performances with them and they advised how I can improve my performance and they also emphasized on the necessity for hard-work,” informed Shakib.

There will be no respite for the Bangladesh captain as he will be joining his English county side Worcestershire early next month to play the T20 competition. The county stint will mean Shakib hasn't taken a noteworthy break from cricket since October last year.

“Most likely I will fly for England on June 1 or June 2, so there is no scope for me to take a noteworthy break from cricket,” said Shakib.

Another T20 competition means the Bangladesh captain will be burdened by the shortest version of the game before the Tigers first Test assignment against Zimbabwe in July-August. Bangladesh will return to Test cricket after more than a year since they played their last Test in England in June last year.

“Obviously we have to work hard to accustom ourselves with the longer-version cricket after a long gap and I think it will be more difficult for me. We will be able to overcome it if we can take good preparation before the series but the problem is that we are yet to get our new coach,” observed Shakib.