Shakib Al Hasan: Pakistan is relatively inexperienced in Test cricket, Team India unbeatable at home

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Kanpur, Sep 26: Bangladesh's iconic cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has officially announced his retirement from T20 internationals and revealed that the upcoming home series against South Africa could also mark his farewell to Test cricket, given that the Bangladesh Cricket Board allows him.

On Thursday (September 26), the veteran cricketer and star all-rounder addressed the media at Green Park Stadium ahead of the second Test against India, making it clear that he had made up his mind about his career in red-ball cricket.

Shakib further claimed that he had already played his last T20I game in Bangladesh colours, saying he didn't see himself playing the next T20 World Cup in 2026. He has played 129 T20Is and scored 2,551 runs and 149 wickets.

As Bangladesh trail 1-0 in the two-match Test series against India, Shakib's focus remains on helping his team bounce back. Reflecting on his impending retirement, the 37-year-old stated, "I desire to retire after the South Africa series. Most likely, the Test match in Mirpur will be my last if everything goes to plan. If it doesn't, this Test [against India] will be my last."

The left-handed batter and left-arm spinner, who has been a pillar of Bangladesh cricket, will continue playing ODIs, with a target set on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

Shakib's decision to step away from T20Is wasn't entirely unexpected. The all-rounder hinted that his final appearance in the format came during the ICC T20 World Cup. "I feel that I have already played my last T20I game during the World Cup," Shakib admitted.

He added that his decision was made in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, considering the future goals of the team and the 2026 T20 World Cup. "It is the right time to move on for everyone. I have no regrets in taking this decision."

Shakib's glittering career includes 70 Tests, amassing 4,600 runs and claiming 260 wickets for Bangladesh. His invaluable contributions across formats have made him one of the finest all-rounders in the history of cricket and the greatest ever in his country's history.

However, the mental and physical fatigue that comes with playing all three formats seems to have prompted his decision to limit his international commitments.

Shakib Reflects on IND vs BAN Series

Bangladesh's performance in the ongoing series against India has been far from ideal. Despite a promising start in Chennai during the first Test, where pacer Hasan Mahmud rattled India's top order, Bangladesh faltered and eventually lost the match by 280 runs.

Discussing the team's struggles, Shakib acknowledged the mental block Bangladesh faces against India. "We have won against them in the ODI series, and we almost won a Test against them last time they visited Bangladesh. We played in patches in Chennai, but we are a better team than that," he said, hopeful that his side can perform better in the second Test.

Shakib also reflected on Bangladesh's historic Test series win against Pakistan, calling it "a massive thing" but recognized the challenge that India poses, particularly on home soil. "Pakistan is relatively inexperienced in Test cricket. Talking about India, they are the number one side and unbeatable in India. Any team visiting India faces a lot of difficulties."

Looking ahead to the second Test at Green Park, Shakib played down the impact of the pitch, stressing the need for his team to perform regardless of the conditions. "They [India] have quality pacers and batters. I don't think the pitch plays a major role. We just have to do better this time," he remarked.

Addressing his young batters, Shakib expressed optimism in their ability to improve. "There was an improvement in the batting, especially in the second innings [in Chennai]. I hope that if we score around 350-400, it will be a massive improvement."

On a personal level, Shakib was pleased with his own performance during the first Test. "That was the best I've felt in the past six months. I enjoyed my batting," the all-rounder shared.

As Shakib prepares for what could be his final Test match, his passion for the game remains strong. "At home, we feel that we are a formidable side and can beat any side. We are ready for the South Africa series," he stated, confident in his team's abilities.

While acknowledging that touring India is one of the toughest challenges in cricket, Shakib remains determined to lead his side with a strong performance in Kanpur. "When you come to India, you hardly see them losing. So yes, it is tough to tour India," he admitted.

Shakib's retirement marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket, and his legacy as a player who gave his all across formats will be remembered for years to come. Whether he walks away after the South Africa series or after this Test, Shakib leaves behind an indelible mark on Bangladesh cricket.

As for now, all eyes are on Green Park Stadium as Bangladesh looks to fight back and give their legendary all-rounder a memorable send-off.