Shakib Al Hasan’s involvement in the second Test between India and Bangladesh, which begins on Friday, has been a source of concern, but head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has cleared them up by stating the all-round player is “eligible for selection”.
Shakib Al attended Bangladesh’s training session on Wednesday in Kanpur, albeit his visit was brief. In the first Test in Chennai, he did not bowl until the 53rd over of India’s opening innings and was surprisingly costly. His performance was clearly below level. Although Shakib might have been dealing with a finger injury, David Hemp, Bangladesh’s batting coach, declared he was not aware of it in Chennai, and Hathurusinghe reaffirmed that position in Kanpur. The information was mentioned throughout the broadcast.
“I haven’t heard anything officially or any complaints (about Shakib),” he stated. Right now, there is no question about that. Nobody, not even my physiotherapist, has gotten back to me. He remains eligible to be chosen.”
Shakib Al Hasan scored 32 and 25 in Bangladesh’s 280-run loss, with figures of 0 for 50 in eight overs and 0 for 79 in 13 overs in Chennai.
“I’m not,” Hathurisinghe said in response to a question about whether Shakib’s performance had offended him. I’m disappointed in our performance as a whole, not in his performance; we could have done better. He probably believes he can do better as well. We are all aware of his abilities. He batted pretty effectively in the second innings, in my opinion. He was unable to continue. Not out of a lack of self-worth. It’s the opposition’s inherent quality.”
Bangladesh, who are now down 0-1 in the two-match series, has to do better at bat, especially in the opening half. Given that Kanpur’s pitch is predicted to be less lively than Chennai’s, the local conditions could be advantageous.
The players had discussed their deficiencies, according to Hathurisinghe, and the question was “whether we can do that in the middle.” We have KPIs that measure our goals, and we frequently discuss how to “make it big if you start small.” The main worry is that some of the people got 30 balls (and then left). It’s the hardest thing to get into in cricket. However, we also know that this team, India, has been presenting unique obstacles. Thus, we must continue to improve.”
India’s fast bowlers ripped away Bangladesh’s left-handed heavy top-order in Chennai. Mahmudul Hasan Joy, a right-hander, could be brought in, but that choice won’t be made hastily.
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We shall not take right-handers into consideration just because they are left-handers. If we are changing, we look at it holistically rather than left or right, considering the batsman, Mahmudul Joy, or whoever is replacing him, what he may add, and who would lose out.”
India
