DHAKA: Sports news website ESPNCricinfo terms Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan “surprise package” in the Indian Premier League-7 that ended Sunday night with the victory of his team Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) over Kings XI Punjab. 

The site made the complement in its latest write-up titled, “Knight Riders complete perfect turnaround”.

The report says: For someone rated as one of the best allrounders in international game, Shakib Al Hasan had played smaller, defined roles in the Knight Riders set-up in the past. Bowling has been his stronger suit, but this year Shakib raised the stakes as a batsman. His 227 runs gave the fragile middle-order some girth and his ability to ramp up the pace of scoring lent much-needed intent. It all came together in the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore when he partnered Uthappa in a 119-run stand for the fourth wicket that took less than 12 overs and scored 60 off just 38 balls. Shakib's all-round form kept Jacques Kallis, a proven stalwart, out of the Knight Riders' XI. 

Besides, Shakib Al Hasan, who is currently holding position 3 in ICC world ranking, has became the 6th most valuable player in Indian Premier League (IPL) with 238.5 points. 

Besides, he is holding 35th position as batsman and 21st as bowler in IPL-7.

Shakib scored 227 runs and bagged 11 wickets playing in 13 matches this season for Kolkata Knight Riders.  

BDST: 2016 HRS, June 2, 2014