Off the Cuff with Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan is without a doubt the biggest name to have emerged from Bangladesh cricket circles. His impact and star power is not just confined to that, he has a global appeal and is arguably the most sought-after all-rounder in world cricket. While he comes across as quite an intense character on the field, he is a very relaxed man off it. Just before heading out for a team activity, Shakib came over for a quick chat with Cricbuzz. From his biggest cricketing regret to his most cherished dream, to some dressing room secrets and a fun team quiz, the left-handed magician comes out forthright.

One major cricket dream you want to live?

Win the World Cup.

Recently, Sri Lanka's World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga mentioned about how Bangladesh could win the 2023 World Cup. How does it feel?

Preparations are going on nice and I think we have a very good chance in 2019 World Cup too. The way we are progressing, we will be a very competitive side in the upcoming WC too.

One major cricket regret you would want to go back and erase?

Ahh! There are actually two. 2012 Asia Cup Final where we lost to Pakistan by two runs. And the T20 World Cup game against India.

A Test series victory or a World Cup win?

World Cup.

Even if it's a Test series victory against the No.1 side?

Still the World Cup.

Okay, an away Test series win against the No.1 side?

Nay, still the World Cup.

You were away on national duties. How does it feel to be back for the IPL?

Feels good. But of course, the mood is a little low now after the last defeat. It is always great to be back in Kolkata as this is the only time we all get together.

What's your immediate dream/target?

At KKR, we are all looking at adding that third star (points at his jersey which has two stars above the KKR logo, which denotes two title wins). No team has been able to win thrice, if we do that, it is going to be a special feat. I will leave on the fourth of May to join my national team, I am looking to give my best in all the games I am there for. We are a very good team and I am hopeful we can win it again.

What does Shakib do to keep himself fresh off the field?

I spend time with my daughter and family. When I am not on the field, I am playing all the while with my daughter.

You and Shah Rukh bond well. Do you watch his movies as much?

Almost all the movies.

Big fan?

Yeah, I watch a lot of Hindi movies. I watch most of them, all three Khans, particularly Shah Rukh. I cannot remember the last time I missed his movie.

And any dialogue that he made you learn?

Not really. We talk a lot. I watch a lot of his movies.

Favourite SRK dialogue?

I do remember few dialogues. (Smiles). I like the whole movie, dialogues, I don't know.

Suryakumar Yadav's was, "Bade bade deshon mein aisi chhotti chhotti baatein hoti rehti hai"

This is from Badshah. No, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. (Laughs)

You are no alien to the culture in Kolkata. So, are you a foodie? Love your fish?

Yes, I like fish. I like meat as well.

And how well do you cook?

Yes, I can fry eggs (laughs). I can make fried rice also. Thing is when I went to play County cricket in England, we were pretty much on our own. That is when I learnt cooking but I am sure I have forgotten all that I mentioned some time back.

Who is the most vocal person in the team?

In KKR, there is hardly anyone. I think all the senior players talk. But no one in particular really. Maybe, Robin. In the national team, it is me.

Who's the laziest?

In KKR, Kuldeep Yadav (laughs). In Bangladesh, it's me.

Who makes a real mess of the dressing room?

Here most of us are like that. In the national team, it is me and Tamim Iqbal.

The bowler you don't spare in the nets?

Mashrafe (Mortaza)

You go all out against him?

Not really, but I like facing him.

The bowler who gets the better of you most of the times?

Graeme Swann and Muttiah Muralitharan

One guy you would never share your room with?

I don't know. In national team (thinks hard) I have shared rooms with most of them when we were playing Under-19. Not sure about the young guys but I don't mind.

If Tamim and you are untidy, you two won't make great roomies?

We used to share rooms all the time when we played age-level cricket.

One sportsperson you can't stop fan-boying about?

Lionel Messi

If not cricket, what other sport do you follow?

Football

One career you would have been in, if not cricket?

Football

Your best cricketing moment till date

As a team, winning against England recently. Personally, the 200 I scored against New Zealand

Having played in both CPL and IPL, what are the differences you have noticed?

In terms of the dressing room, not much. The culture is a bit different but in terms of atmosphere, there is a difference. In the Caribbean, people are more fun loving, not into the game that much, they just want to enjoy themselves. Here, people are more into the game, they want their team to win.

How well do you know your team. Who's held the orange cap in KKR?

Robin Uthappa.

Which season?

2014.

Number of runs?

700? (Smiles)

660

Who's the highest wicket-taker in KKR?

Sunil Narine

Where are you placed in that highest wicket-takers' list of KKR?

Me? Umm. Top 5?

You're second on that list

(Smiles)

Who hit the winning runs when KKR won in 2012?

Manoj Tiwary. I was there at the other end.

And in 2014?

Piyush Chawla

Who's the highest run-getter in the team?

Gautam Gambhir

You know your team well.

Yes!