The ongoing Test match between India and Bangladesh in Chennai has unveiled significant revelations regarding star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Despite battling injuries, Shakib continues to participate in the match, raising eyebrows among fans and former players alike. His less-than-stellar performance with both bat and ball has prompted former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal to question his inclusion in the playing XI, considering the ongoing concerns about his fitness.
A Shocking Admission During the Chennai Test
Shakib Al Hasan’s struggles on the field have been particularly notable in this match. He bowled a mere 21 overs across both innings—8 in the first and 13 in the second—without claiming a single wicket. This has sparked discussions about his capability to contribute effectively while dealing with significant injuries. Former Indian spin bowler Murali Kartik shed light on these concerns during a live broadcast, revealing that Shakib has been nursing a finger injury as well as a shoulder problem.
“When I asked him why he wasn’t bowling as much, Shakib confided that the finger on his left hand, critical for spinning, had undergone surgery and was swollen, severely restricting movement,” Murali Kartik explained. “As a spinner, you need adequate feeling and control in your fingers, but he is unable to achieve that right now. Additionally, his shoulder discomfort makes it even tougher to bowl, especially in a Test match where precision matters.”
Tamim Iqbal Calls for Accountability
Concerns about Shakib’s selection were echoed by Tamim Iqbal, who emphasized that if Shakib was included in the squad despite his apparent physical difficulties, it raises the question of whether Bangladesh is effectively competing with one less spinner. He stated that the management should have been more vigilant about Shakib’s condition prior to the Test match.
In response to the scrutiny, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief physician Debashish provided some context, revealing that Shakib had previously suffered a finger fracture before the ODI World Cup and had dealt with infections in other fingers in the past. However, Debashish clarified that Shakib had not disclosed any fresh injuries related to his finger or shoulder leading up to the match.
Shakib Al Hasan’s Performance Review
Analyzing Shakib’s overall performance in the Chennai Test yields disappointing results. He managed just 32 runs during his batting stint in the first innings and remained not out with only 5 runs in the second innings. His inability to secure wickets has placed additional pressure on the Bangladesh bowling lineup, leaving fans and analysts eagerly questioning the team’s strategy moving forward.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Shakib Al Hasan’s fitness and performance raises critical questions about team selection and player management in international cricket. As the match progresses, it remains to be seen how these issues will affect Bangladesh’s performance and strategy in crucial moments of the game.
