Shakib Al Hasan, the enigmatic Bangladesh all-rounder, has devised an unconventional method to correct his head position while batting. During the Chennai Test against India, Shakib was spotted biting down on a black strap wrapped around his neck. This peculiar technique stems from an eye condition that has plagued him since last year.
Ophthalmologists have diagnosed Shakib with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC), a condition that causes fluid buildup under the retina, distorting vision. To compensate for this, Shakib has been working tirelessly to find a way to position his head optimally for sighting the ball.
Previously, Shakib experimented with a neck brace to correct his head position. However, he has now come up with the strap mechanism, which he believes provides better stability. “He has come up with this strap. It is completely his idea,” said Dr. Debashish Chowdhury, BCB’s chief physician. “He is working on a way to hold his head position while batting.”
Shakib’s mentor, Mohammad Salahuddin, praised his ingenuity. “I think it is good for him,” Salahuddin said. “He ties it up around his neck, and biting down on it allows him to keep his neck and head steady. When the head and neck moves, the eyes also move, which is not ideal for a batter.”
Dr. Chowdhury emphasized that only Shakib can determine the effectiveness of this latest experiment. “It is personal thing from him. He will understand if it is working for him or not,” he said.
Shakib’s eye condition has impacted his playing time this year, forcing him to miss matches during the BPL and Bangladesh’s white-ball series against Sri Lanka. However, he has returned to international cricket and played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s recent Test series win against Pakistan.
Despite his struggles in the Chennai Test, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed confidence in Shakib’s abilities. “I look at how much hard work a player is putting into his game,” Shanto said. “I am happy with the way that every member of this Test squad has prepared and has been willing to give to the team.”
Shakib’s innovative approach to overcoming his eye condition highlights his determination and resilience. As he continues to experiment with different techniques, it remains to be seen whether the strap mechanism will become a permanent fixture in his batting arsenal.
