'Who?' - Shakib Al Hasan gives a strong counter to Virender Sehwag for 'Retirement Remark'

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Bangladesh's premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan didn't beat around the bush when asked about Virender Sehwag's criticism after the team's 25-run win against the Netherlands in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

Recently, the India's batting great launched a scathing attack on Shakib for his inability to show experience in the shortest format. He also felt that the all-rounder is not cut out for the T20 format in the first place.

Shakib came under fire for his string of poor scores in T20 World Cup 2022 wherein he mustered only 44 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 95.65. In this edition's T20 World Cup, he scored 8 against Sri Lanka and 2 runs against South Africa.

The former Indian opener reminded Shakib that he is not "Matthew Hayden or Adam Gilchrist" before advising him to play according to his strengths and not just swing the bat against short-pitched deliveries. The Nawab of Najafgarh also echoed that a player like Shakib should feel ashamed for not retiring from the T20 format.

Shakib Al Hasan hits back at Virender Sehwag at post-match press conference

In a video clip that has been doing the rounds on social media, Shakib Al Hasan can be seen giving a one-word reply to a journalist's question on Sehwag's recent remarks. Reporter asked, "There has been a lot of discussion about your performance, especially a comment by Virender Sehwag that has received much attention." Shakib replied, "Who?"

"A player doesn't play to answer (the critics). His job is to contribute to the team. If he is not able to do that, there will be a lot of talk. I think it's not such a bad thing," the all-rounder replied.

Shakib Al Hasan who registered single-digit scores in the first two games played a match-winning knock against the Netherlands at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent. He scored an unbeaten 64 off 46 balls, laced with 9 four and was adjudged the Man of the Match.