Indian team can be a good example for us, asserts Shakib Al Hasan

Against all odds, Bangladesh turned out to be the surprise package of this year's ICC World Cup in England as they beat the likes of South Africa and West Indies over the course of the group stage. However, the Mashrafe Mortaza-led side failed to make it to the last four of the World Cup but their star performer and the best-ranked all-rounder in the world, Shakib Al Hasan was in form of his life in the tournament.

In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, the experienced cricketer cited the example of the Indian cricket team led by Virat Kohli as the perfect model for Bangladesh to follow if they intend to develop their team in the next few years.

"Indian team can be a good example for this, last year they had least numbers of players getting injured. Their rotation policy is the main reason behind this. And as outcome, they got many players prepared and players got exposure."

"At the same time, when a new player (of India) came they could start fresh and performed. Everyone got their needed rest including Virat Kohli in different formats. Very few players played in all the three matches in one series. We have to understand these situations. Coaching staffs, players and board should have a good understanding. Otherwise, it could create more controversy and spread negative thoughts if the information is not clear," Shakib was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz sources. 

Shakib, who hugely impressed at the recent ICC World Cup in England where he scored 606 runs and picked up 11 wickets, further added that the Bangladesh cricket team needs to focus on their mental & physical fitness levels in order to do well on the international stage. 

"This is my philosophy, it might be wrong too. A player should play only when he is ready to play and when he is not ready he should not play. If a player is not fit properly it becomes tough for him (to perform). So fitness plays a vital role (for a player) to perform and that could be both mental and physical fitness. 

"In the modern age of cricket, there are so many matches we have to play, so it's tough to manage everything together. If you look at the other teams; their coaching staffs, physio, trainers helping them, discussing these matters because a player cannot play matches after matches (for a long period). So, the breaks are important. And these breaks create an opportunity for the newcomers. The pipeline will be strong. So we have to plan compactly. We will have to discuss these matters," Shakib added.