In a crucial development for Bangladesh’s cricket team, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials revealed on Monday that they are closely monitoring Shakib Al Hasan’s condition to determine his availability for the upcoming Kanpur Test. The star all-rounder sustained an injury to his finger during the first Test against India in Chennai, which has cast a cloud over his participation in the second match of the series.
The injury to Shakib occurred while he was batting, as he was struck by a delivery from Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah. Initially, Shakib needed immediate medical attention, and the Bangladesh medical team has since placed him under stringent observation to assess the severity of his injury and the extent of his discomfort.
“We are heading to Kanpur tomorrow (Tuesday) and today is a day off. We will have two sessions afterwards and we will judge after that (regarding Shakib’s availability in second Test) and we don’t want to make a decision yet,” Hannan Sarkar, a member of the BCB’s selection panel, informed reporters in Chennai on Monday. Sarkar emphasized that a final decision will be taken only after the forthcoming practice sessions and subsequent medical feedback from the team’s physiotherapist.
The BCB appears to be taking a cautious approach, weighing the pros and cons before making any hasty decisions. “These two days, the physio has kept him under observation. When we get back to the ground, we will get the physio’s feedback. We have to think before picking Shakib for the next match and there is time before the next match. We will see what condition he is in,” Sarkar added.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain, highlighted that Shakib was not utilized as a bowler in the first Test due to the satisfactory performances of the other bowlers. Najmul downplayed concerns about Shakib’s injury, suggesting that it was not as severe as it might appear. Hannan Sarkar mirrored the captain’s stance, asserting that Shakib had been completely fit before the Chennai Test.
“We know the pain in his hand is being discussed. It was not there before the match and many have tried to explain it in different ways.
. But before the match, we got a 100 percent clearance from the physio before taking him. He was a 100 percent fit then,” Hannan clarified. The statement aims to put to rest any speculations that Shakib might have been playing while still injured.
“You can’t say it’s an injury. The discomfort he felt in that finger was not there before the match. He felt that when he started to bowl,” Hannan elaborated, suggesting that the pain was an unanticipated development during the game rather than a preexisting issue.
The uncertainty surrounding Shakib Al Hasan’s availability is not just a matter of individual performance but also poses significant implications for the team’s strategy and morale. Shakib is an integral part of the team, offering valuable contributions both as a batsman and a bowler. Losing him for the second Test would mean a substantial gap in the team’s lineup, demanding strategic adjustments from the coaching staff and selectors.
Furthermore, the team’s preparations and key strategies might need re-evaluation if Shakib is unavailable. Bangladesh’s cricket fans, who depend heavily on Shakib’s all-round capabilities, are waiting anxiously for updates on his status. His absence would mean not only the loss of a player but also the need for someone to step in and fill the significant void.
As the Bangladesh team gears up to leave for Kanpur, all eyes are on the impending medical reports. The decision regarding Shakib Al Hasan’s participation is expected to be a finely balanced one, weighing his current medical condition against the demands of playing a high-stakes Test match.
Ultimately, the BCB’s cautious approach reflects their long-term view on player fitness and form, ensuring that Shakib Al Hasan’s career longevity and well-being are given due importance. With the BCB officials, coaching staff, and medical team all working in concert, the next few days will be crucial in determining the final lineup for the Kanpur Test as fans, analysts, and the cricket community await a definitive announcement.