As Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s cricketing legend, approaches the end of his illustrious international career, he has already played his final T20 match. Prior to the Kanpur Test, Shakib announced his retirement from Test cricket, expressing his desire to bid farewell to the sport after playing his final Test match in Mirpur against South Africa later this month.
However, the possibility of Shakib realizing his wish to play his final Test at home remains uncertain. If he doesn’t get the opportunity to play in Mirpur, the ongoing Test in Kanpur could mark his last appearance in Test cricket on foreign soil. In honor of this momentous occasion, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli paid tribute to Shakib in a heartwarming gesture.
Following the conclusion of the match, as both teams waited on the field for the award ceremony, Kohli emerged from the dressing room with a bat in hand. Shakib, taken by surprise, graciously accepted the gift from Kohli. The two cricketing greats shared a light-hearted conversation, with Kohli placing his arm on Shakib’s shoulder in a show of camaraderie. Shortly after, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant also presented Shakib with a bat as a gesture of respect.
Although Shakib debuted in Test cricket in 2007, four years before Kohli played his first Test, the Indian batter has since played more Test matches than the Bangladeshi all-rounder. On this occasion, Kohli demonstrated his admiration for Shakib, transcending the competitive rivalry between the two teams and showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship. Additionally, Bangladeshi sports journalists, who traveled to Kanpur, presented Shakib with a commemorative memento.
In what could be his final Test match on foreign soil, Shakib managed to claim four wickets, all in the first innings. Unfortunately, his struggles with the bat continued, as he scored just nine runs across both innings, failing to open his account in the second innings.
The day before the Kanpur Test, Shakib revealed his plan to retire from international cricket, stating his intent to play his final Test match at home against South Africa. However, if he cannot ensure his security and safe return to Bangladesh, he hinted that his career might conclude in Kanpur itself, signaling the potential end for one of the greatest players in Bangladesh’s cricket history.