Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha stated that there is no clear reason for Shakib Al Hasan to miss the second Test against India in Kanpur, set to start on Friday, September 27. Concerns about the veteran all-rounder’s availability arose due to a finger injury he suffered in the first match of the series.
Shakib wasn’t fully fit to bowl as a frontline spinner in the first Test in Chennai, managing only 21 overs across both innings after having bowled three times that amount in a County Championship match for Surrey before the series.
During the break between the two Tests, Bangladesh’s physio and a selector indicated that Shakib is being monitored, and a decision on his selection will be made closer to the match. However, head coach Chandika Hathurasingha noted that he hasn’t received any information about the injury that would impact Shakib’s participation.
“I have not heard anything on Shakib regarding any complaints. About Shakib Al Hasan there is no doubt at the moment. I haven’t heard from my physio or anyone, so he is eligible for selection, ” Hathurusingha said during the pre-match press conference in Nagpur.
Shakib Al Hasan has been managing a shoulder injury that impacted his bowling in the first innings. This injury originated during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where he had to withdraw late in the tournament. Additionally, his finger injury raised concerns after he was struck by a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah in the second innings in Chennai.
“The physio is monitoring him closely”- Bangladesh selector about Shakib
The all-rounder had a few promising starts with the bat in both innings but couldn’t help Bangladesh avoid a 280-run defeat. On the bowling side, Shakib struggled and was hit hard by the Indian batsmen, resulting in an economy rate over six runs in both innings.
Given that the second Test will take place on a spin-friendly black soil pitch, Shakib’s inclusion is crucial for maintaining team balance.
“We don’t want to make a decision yet. These two days, the physio has kept him under observation. When we get back to the ground, we will get the physio’s feedback,” Bangladesh selector Hannan Sarkar told reporters.
Bangladesh, trailing 0-1 in the series, is preparing to face India in the second Test at Green Park in Kanpur, where security concerns are increasing.
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