The availability of Bangladesh’s cricket all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for the upcoming Kanpur Test against India remains uncertain as officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) await results from a thorough medical assessment. The cricket sensation sustained a finger injury during the first Test match held in Chennai, which has led to concerns over his participation in the next test.
The incident occurred when Shakib was batting, and he was struck by a delivery from India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. The painful blow required medical attention on the ground, leading to immediate concerns about his fitness for the rest of the series. BCB officials have emphasized that any decision regarding Shakib’s place in the Kanpur Test would be made based on the medical team’s advice.
“We are heading to Kanpur tomorrow (Tuesday), and today is a day off. We will have two sessions afterward, and we will judge after that regarding Shakib’s availability in the second Test. We don’t want to rush into a decision yet,” stated Hannan Sarkar, a member of the BCB’s selection panel, while addressing the media in Chennai on Monday.
Sarkar further elaborated on the steps being taken to ensure a well-informed decision. “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 still some time. We will see what condition he is in.”
The setbacks have raised questions, but Bangladesh’s skipper, Najmul Hossain, remains positive. During the recently concluded match, Shakib was not employed as a bowler, which Najmul explained was a tactical decision since other bowlers were performing well. Najmul also downplayed the severity of Shakib’s injury. Echoing similar sentiments, Hannan specified that Shakib had no pre-existing issues with his finger before the first Test.
“We know the pain in his hand is being discussed.
. It wasn’t 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 100 percent fit then,” said Hannan, countering rumors about Shakib’s long-term fitness struggles.
Hannan added, “You can’t classify it as an injury exactly. The discomfort he felt in that finger wasn’t there before the match. It emerged when he began to bowl.”
This medical watch arrives during a crucial phase for Bangladesh as they are keen to solidify their team composition for the upcoming fixtures. Shakib’s prowess, both as a batsman and a left-arm spinner, makes him an invaluable asset, and his absence could potentially tilt the scales in favor of the host team.
Despite the injury concerns, the Bangladesh team management has expressed confidence in their squad’s depth. The upcoming practice sessions will not only provide the necessary updates on Shakib’s fitness but also afford other players an opportunity to step up and fill any gaps.
In the previous Test, Bangladesh showcased tenacity, though ultimately it was India who emerged victorious. The team management believes that with strategic adjustments and maintaining player welfare, they can present a stiffer challenge in Kanpur.
Meanwhile, fans and cricket analysts are keenly awaiting the BCB’s final verdict on Shakib’s involvement. His participation will play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of the Test match. Observations and assessments by the medical team will be deterministic in this regard, with everyone hoping for a swift recovery.
As another day of rest and medical supervision concludes, the cricket fraternity remains on tenterhooks. The determination of Shakib’s participation hinges on the forthcoming evaluations and insights from the medical staff. Tuesday beckons as a critical juncture, not just for Shakib, but for Bangladesh’s strategy and morale in the Test series.