Shakib Al Hasan Was 100 Percent Fit Ahead of Chennai Test: Bangladesh Selector

Bangladesh Cricket Board selector Hannan Sarkar announced that star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been declared fully fit by the team physiotherapists ahead of the much-anticipated Chennai Test between India and Bangladesh. Considered one of the most experienced and key players in the Bangladesh squad, Shakib put in a disappointing performance against India with both bat and ball.

Speculation quickly spread that the 37-year-old was playing the crucial match with a lingering injury, particularly after his apparent struggles on the field. However, Hannan was quick to dismiss the rumours, stating that Shakib was fit to play. Shakib had suffered a finger injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup and then suffered a shoulder injury that ended his tournament early.

“We know that the pain in his hand has been discussed. There was no such pain before the match and many people have tried to explain it in different ways. But before the match, we got 100% confirmation from the physiotherapist before taking it. He was 100% fit then. You can’t say it was an injury. There was no discomfort in his finger that he felt before the match. He felt it when he started bowling,” Hannan Sarkar told reporters.

Speaking to the press after Bangladesh’s heavy defeat by 208 runs, Hannan reiterated the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s confidence in Shakib, while also addressing the growing controversy surrounding the veteran player over injury concerns.

“Shakib is our best player. When he plays in the first eleven, it becomes easier for us to create the team combination. We always have to think before selecting Shakib for the next match and there is time before the next match. We will see how he is,” Sarkar added.

Shakib was seen struggling with a visible discomfort in his hand even in the Chennai Test, raising doubts about his full fitness. His limited involvement with the ball was particularly evident on a pitch that offered significant turn. Shakib bowled just 8 overs in India’s first innings and 13 overs in the second, failing to take a single wicket in either spell – an unusually quiet performance for the star all-rounder.

As focus shifts to the second Test match between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur, visitors will be hopeful Shakib regains form and is fit. His presence on the field is vital to Bangladesh’s chances of a series recovery. However, if his injury concerns are more serious than first thought, the team could be faced with the difficult decision of resting him to avoid further complications. This could significantly impact Bangladesh’s strategy and line-up as they seek to bounce back from defeat and challenge India in the next Test.