Shakib Al Hasan: The Untold Motivation Behind His 2019 World Cup Masterclass

A Tournament for the Ages

In the history of the ICC ODI World Cup, few individual performances have reached the heights attained by Shakib Al Hasan in 2019. Across eight matches, the Bangladeshi maestro amassed 606 runs at an staggering average of 86.57, while simultaneously contributing 11 crucial wickets. These numbers were not merely statistics; they represented a masterclass in all-round dominance. By the end of the campaign, Shakib became the first player in the history of the tournament to achieve the milestone of 1,000 career runs and 30 wickets, having scored fifty or more runs in seven out of his eight innings.

The Catalyst: Turning Disappointment into Drive

While the world marveled at his consistency, the story behind this unprecedented success was far more personal. The motivation for Shakib was sparked by his experience during the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL). As a player for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Shakib found himself on the sidelines, realizing that opportunities in the starting XI were becoming increasingly rare. Rather than succumbing to frustration, he chose to channel that energy into a rigorous self-improvement program.

Reflecting on that period during the Off Screen with Sayeed podcast, Shakib revealed that the realization of his stagnant IPL role served as a wake-up call. He noted, ‘At that time, I think I reached my absolute limit. I couldn’t have done more than that. Whether it was fitness or anything else, I gave everything. My motivation came after the first match when I understood I probably wouldn’t get more chances unless someone got injured.’

Breaking the Stigma

Shakib felt a deeper responsibility beyond his own career. He believed that cricketers from Bangladesh were frequently overlooked or unfairly judged, often being one bad performance away from the bench. He wanted to change the narrative. ‘I started thinking that players from our country often find it very difficult to get opportunities in teams. I thought I needed to do something that would make people think twice before making such decisions,’ he shared.

His goal was simple: to make it impossible for teams to underestimate Bangladeshi talent. This mindset shifted his preparation into an entirely new dimension of intensity.

An Unprecedented Training Regime

To prepare for the World Cup, Shakib committed himself to a grueling schedule. His routine was designed to push his body and skills to the breaking point. His daily regimen included:

• Fitness Training: Engaging in intense sessions four to five times per day.
• Skill Development: Dedicated two-hour blocks twice a day specifically for batting and bowling.
• Fielding Excellence: Spending extensive time on agility and catching drills.

Shakib explained that his fielding practice was comprehensive, covering every possible position on the field—from cover and point to the deep boundary positions like long-on and fine leg. These sessions alone lasted up to two hours, forcing a level of body conditioning that transformed his overall movement and presence on the field.

The Physical Toll

The dedication was so absolute that it led to significant physical changes. Shakib noted that he lost so much weight that his official team apparel became noticeably loose. He recalled the moment with a chuckle, noting that when he put on his official shirt, it felt like there was nothing left inside, leading him to momentarily question if he had been given the wrong size.

A Legacy of Hard Work

Shakib’s 2019 campaign serves as a powerful reminder that success is rarely a product of talent alone; it is the culmination of preparation, mindset, and the willingness to push past perceived limitations. While the results were immediate for him during the IPL and the subsequent Ireland series, his story offers a lesson for all athletes. He maintained that even if success is not immediate, the commitment to such rigorous work will eventually yield results. For Shakib, those months of sweat, sacrifice, and soul-searching didn’t just earn him runs and wickets—they solidified his status as one of the greatest cricketers the game has ever seen.