Three-year-old advice from Sangakkara, now put into practice by Shakib

Although Shakib Al Hasan is currently away from the national team jersey, he remains active in franchise cricket around the world. At present, he is in the United Arab Emirates representing MI Emirates in the International League T20. During a break in the tournament, Shakib appeared on the league’s official YouTube channel, speaking candidly about his fitness, mental preparation, and cricketing philosophy.
When asked about his daily fitness routine, Shakib explained how he manages his gym sessions while maintaining motivation. He said, "I go once. I’m trying to go at least twice sometimes. I feel the hunger (for playing) is still inside me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t continue playing cricket. I still love the game a lot. It makes me happy. It refreshes my mind. That’s the best thing for me."
Reflecting on adapting his training and mindset with age, Shakib recalled advice from Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara. He shared that the guidance he received three years ago has now become an important part of his routine. In his words, "I spend a lot of time in the nets. When the body gets slow, more training is needed. Sangakkara told me this three years ago, and now I understand it. So I’m taking a bit more time to get back into rhythm. Giving myself more sessions and time."
Shakib also shared his perspective on team roles and the balance between batting and bowling. He emphasized the importance of bowling in winning matches, even when a team has strong batting. He added, "I think everyone has a role. Even if the batters set up the game, the bowlers have to win it. A strong batting side is of no use if the bowling is weak. So bowling is still very important. About one and a half years ago, I decided not to over-plan. Now I’m in a good place. I’m in a comfortable zone. I want to stay like this."
Through this phase of franchise cricket, it is clear that Shakib’s focus is not stepping away from the game but rather preparing himself in new ways to stay competitive and in rhythm.