Shakib doesn't know when he will return to form

When was the last time when Shakib Al Hasan got out below twenty runs in eight straight games? Probably it will be very difficult to find out especially over the last few years since the star cricketer has set a world-class standard across all formats.

Probably it was very early in his career when Shakib struggled with the bat but over the past seven to eight years there were no such situations when he was out of touch for such a long time.

Things however have not gone well for Shakib ever since he returned to cricket on October 29 after completing his one-year ban from cricket.

All eyes were fixed on the champion cricketer in the ongoing Bangabandhu T20 for Gemcon Khulna as Shakib made a comeback to competitive cricket but so far it has been a disappointing show from the cricketer with the bat.

With scores of 15, 12, 3, 11, 14, 4, 15, and eight in today's' game against Beximco Dhaka mean Shakib didn't managed to go past twenty in eight innings -- something quite unusual keeping the high standards he has set over the years.

Shakib had done a decent job with the ball and picked up four wickets in eight games while bowling at a good economy rate up until he got struck for four sixes in an over from Naim Sheikh today.

There were high hopes when Shakib came to bat at number three against Dhaka but the he  continued to depart to soft dismissals.

Coming into chase a fighting total of 180, Shakib came to the crease after an early fall of wicket but the left hander was seemingly unable to get in to his groove during his brief stay.

After spending some time at the crease Shakib went for a slog sweep against the off-spinner Robiul Islam and only managed to hand a simple catch to short third man and walked back to the dressing on eight.

The champion cricketer was seen dejected while sitting in the dug-out without removing his pads for a long time, as he reflected on his disappointment.

Asked on when his form with the bat will return, Shakib replied with his usual nonchalance: "I don't know ( smiles). Let's see how quickly I can make a comeback. I will try to do well and let's see what happens."

Much like the Bangladesh cricket fans, Shakib will also be desperate to return to form sooner rather than later as a busy international schedule awaits.