No one can fault his effort as far as his bowling in this IPL is concerned, but star all-rounder Shakib Al-Hasan feels that it's about time that he starts contributing with the willow.
He has taken six wickets at an average of less than 11 run per wicket but according to Shakib that's only half the job done.
"From the three matches I played, I was man-of-the-match once. I've done well as a bowler. I'm now focussing on my batting. By the God's grace, I hope to do well as a batsman," the unassuming Bangladeshi all-rounder, said in Kolkata.
KKR has been one of the most popular sides but Shakib believes that this year is the opportunity to win the IPL title.
"The team atmosphere is just perfect. We are improving match by match. We are looking to be more consistent. We are taking one match at a time. Our first aim is to make it to the last four (play-offs). Then we will focus on winning the title. But I'm sure we will do better than last year," Shakib said.
The Bangladeshi further said the conditions here were similar to that of his country so it helped in delivering his best.
"I always feel at home here. I've have been playing here since U-15 days. I always feel confident playing here," he said.
Asked whether they are all geared up to face Sourav Ganguly-led-Pune Warriors at home on May 5, Shakib said: "It's just any other match."
"As I said, we are taking one match at a time, so our target now is to win against Royal Challengers on April 28. There will not be any additional pressure against Pune (Warriors India). The spectators, though, may feel the heat," he said.
The IPL is giving the cricketers a perfect preparation ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 to be held in Sri Lanka this September-October, Shakib said.
"Here you get to play against all the big players. A good performance here definitely boosts your confidence. I hope everybody will be happy with my performance in IPL. I always played for the team, to contribute in all the three departments."
The all-rounder also thanked everybody in Bangladesh for his rise in International cricket.
"I owe my success to everybody in Bangladesh. Right from the groundsmen to coach, my family, friends...everybody. It's difficult to name anybody particular," the 25-year-old said.
