Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials announced on Monday that a decision regarding the participation of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan in the upcoming Kanpur Test will hinge on his medical assessment. Shakib, who sustained a finger injury while batting in the first Test against India in Chennai, has been under observation by the team’s physiotherapist. The injury occurred when Shakib was struck by a delivery from Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Speaking to the media in Chennai on Monday, Hannan Sarkar, a member of the BCB’s selection panel, elaborated on the situation. “We are heading to Kanpur tomorrow (Tuesday), and today is a day off. We will have two practice sessions after that and make a judgment regarding Shakib’s availability for the second Test at that time. We don’t want to make a premature decision,” Hannan revealed. He emphasized that Shakib’s condition would be closely monitored by the physiotherapist over the next couple of days.
“Over these two days, the physio has kept him under constant observation. Once we return to the ground, we will seek the physio’s feedback. We have to carefully consider whether to select Shakib for the next match, as we have some time before the second Test. We will evaluate his condition thoroughly,” Hannan added, emphasizing the need for caution before taking any decision.
In the aftermath of the injury, Bangladesh’s skipper Najmul Hossain downplayed any serious concerns regarding Shakib’s injury. He articulated that the team refrained from using Shakib as a bowler for reasons unrelated to the injury, suggesting that the current bowling lineup was performing adequately. Hannan echoed similar sentiments, clarifying that there were no pre-existing concerns about Shakib’s finger prior to the commencement of the first Test.
“We know that the pain in his hand is being discussed extensively. However, it was not present before the match,” Hannan clarified. “Numerous explanations have been put forward, but the fact is, we had obtained 100% clearance from the physiotherapist before including him in the team. He was deemed fully fit.
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Hannan’s comments are significant as they address speculation about whether Shakib’s injury had been a lingering issue before the Test series started against India. “You can’t term it as an injury,” Hannan insisted. “The discomfort in his finger surfaced while he was bowling. It was not a concern before the game.”
The selection panel member emphasized that any decision on Shakib’s inclusion would be meticulously considered, reiterating that the player was not in discomfort during pre-match assessments. Furthermore, it appears that the BCB is keen to avoid any hasty decisions that might jeopardize Shakib’s health and long-term fitness.
This uncertainty surrounding Shakib’s availability comes at a crucial stage for Bangladesh. The upcoming match in Kanpur is pivotal for the team, as they aim to bounce back after their performance in the Chennai Test. Shakib’s potential absence would be a significant setback given his indispensable role in both the batting and bowling departments.
Interestingly, the BCB is treading carefully, ensuring all due diligence is done before any pronouncement is made. The deliberation showcases the broader challenges sports teams face when managing player injuries amidst demanding schedules and high-stakes tournament conditions.
As the team prepares to travel to Kanpur, the collective focus remains on ensuring the players are in optimal condition. The next couple of days will be critical in determining Shakib’s fitness and readiness for the second Test. The final decision will ultimately rest on the physio’s report and Shakib’s response to the upcoming practice sessions.
In the interim, the cricketing world will be watching closely, eager to see how the situation unfolds. Shakib Al Hasan’s injury and subsequent recovery will be a talking point as the Test series progresses. The BCB’s cautious approach underscores the importance of player welfare and long-term considerations, particularly for a cricketer of Shakib’s caliber and impact.
Further updates are anticipated as the team undergoes its preparatory sessions in Kanpur, with fans and cricket analysts alike awaiting the conclusive medical evaluation that will dictate Shakib’s Test match fate.