It's not everyday that Shakib Al Hasan ends up speaking for 20 minutes in a press conference. But then again it's not everyday that the Tigers reach the knock-out stages of a world event.  With one more day to go for the big game against India, the excitement was clearly visible in the allrounder's eyes as he cautiously tackled a series of questions yesterday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The following is the gist of his session with the media.

Q: How different is this World Cup team compared to 2007 and 2011?

Shakib: I think this year we have prepared well enough. I am not saying that we didn't prepare well in 2011. But I think the important thing was to win the first game and that got us going. We never looked back from there on. There are so many performers in this year's World Cup whereas you can count two or three performers from the last World Cup. I think this is the change. And it's a good sign for Bangladesh's cricket that so many players are contributing to the team.

Q: Will the 2007 win against India be a source of inspiration?

Shakib: It will be in our memory; but this is a new game and we know it. India have a very good side. They have some world class players. We know that it's going to be hard for us but we are up to the challenge. We are preparing well. It's a one-off game; if we play our best cricket, anything is possible.

Q: In the last World Cup, Virender Sehwag had said that India would beat Bangladesh easily and they ended up winning the match. Do you think India might take this match lightly?

Shakib: I don't think any team can be taken lightly in a World Cup. And this is the quarterfinal; it's a one-off game; no one will take anyone lightly. As I said before, they are the defending champions and they have got some world class players. Our confidence is very high and we are up for the match.

Q: What was the key factor behind your wins against India in the World Cup in 2007 and Asia Cup in 2012?

Shakib: I think we played fearless cricket and we all wanted to play that brand of cricket and so far in this World Cup we are doing it. If we do exactly what we did against England or New Zealand I think we will have a very good game.

Q: Bangladesh have beaten India on their 100th and 150th ODIs. On Thursday Bangladesh will be playing their 300th ODI. Do you think they can repeat that success?

Shakib: I don't know. It depends on the day. I think we need to start well and keep the momentum in our favour.  Everything is possible. On pen and paper India is a better team than Bangladesh. No one has any doubt about that, but on the day it's a one-off game. If we have a good day and they have a bad day, you never know. It's a knock-out, both sides will be under pressure.

Q: Tell us about the roles you play in the team.

Shakib: There are roles on the ground and off the ground. First of all I need to contribute with the bat, ball and even as a senior player and as a vice-captain I have some leadership roles to play. Hopefully I will be able to do that. If I feel that there is anything that I need to discuss with the captain I'll do that. You also need to motivate players, especially the younger ones and provide senior players with information that can help them.

Q: How important has Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's captaincy been?

Shakib: It has been very important. He is someone who has always talked to the young players and keeps motivating all the players. He is very close to everyone, very friendly with everyone. Players can come to him and say whatever they feel like and they can always discuss it. That's a very good sign.

Q: Would you rate this match as the most important in your career?

Shakib: Maybe; you can say that since this is the first time we are playing in the quarterfinals. But at the same time you need to look at this as though it's just another game of cricket.

Q: What all do you need to keep in mind while playing at such a big ground such as the MCG?

Shakib: We played one game here [versus Sri Lanka] so we know what we need to do. You need to be careful about your field placing. That will be the key factor. You need to know who your key fielders are and who have good arms to throw them in from the boundary.

Q: What do you think will be a good total at the MCG?

Shakib: The matches that have taken place here, everyone has scored around 300-plus totals. It's a very good batting wicket. Against Sri Lanka we played on a very good batting wicket. I think 280 to 320 will be a good target.

Q: Have the expectations from the fans increased because of Bangladesh's good performances?

Shakib: In the sub-continent people always expect a lot of things from you. Yes; because we are playing well there is some expectation. But we need to focus on the game and how well we can play. That's the key and I think if we do that the result will take care of itself. It doesn't matter if we win or lose, as long as we play our best cricket.

Q: You might be playing in front 80 to 90 thousand fans at Melbourne. Do you know what that is like?

Shakib: I have a bit of an idea; since I played in Kolkata during the IPL. Around 70 to 80 thousand spectators attended those games and most of them were houseful.

Q: Most of the fans will be cheering against your team. How do you think that experience will be?

Shakib: I actually haven't experienced that before. So I can't say much unless I go through that experience. (Laughs)

Q: How would you evaluate your performance so far?

Shakib: It's been alright. I could have done better with the bat, but I am happy with the way I bowled. But then again there's no end to improvement.

Q: Do you think the 2019 World Cup should be restricted to 10 teams?

Shakib: Well, that's up to the ICC. They will take a wise decision. If you want my opinion, I think if you want to globalise it you need to play more teams.