Shakib Al Hasan Cleared for Selection in Second Test Against India

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe confirmed that Shakib Al Hasan is eligible for the second Test against India. Shakib's performance and injuries have been a concern, but the coach remains optimistic about his selection and team's prospects.

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe confirmed on Wednesday that star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is "eligible for selection" for the upcoming second Test match against India in Kanpur. In the first Test in Chennai, Shakib bowled seven overs but struggled, conceding six fours and two sixes to Rishabh Pant.

For the 37-year-old Shakib, this year has been challenging with just 295 runs in 18 innings across all formats, averaging 19.66, and taking only 18 wickets at an average of 39.88. Murali Karthik, covering the match for broadcasting duties, revealed that Shakib had finger surgery that affects his bowling.

"Having known him for a long period, I asked why he hadn't bowled much. He told me it's due to a finger surgery that left his bowling finger swollen and rigid, with no movement. He also has shoulder issues, making it tough to bowl in Test cricket," Karthik explained. Despite these setbacks, Hathurusinghe hasn’t heard any complaints about Shakib’s fitness.

"I haven't heard anything officially or any complaints about Shakib. He’s still eligible for selection," Hathurusinghe told ESPNcricinfo. The coach added that while he isn’t upset with Shakib’s individual performance in the first Test, the overall team could have performed better. The Bangladesh squad includes key players like Najmul Hossain Shanto (C) and Mushfiqur Rahim.

"I’m not upset with Shakib's performance but our overall game; we could have done better. Shakib also feels he can perform better. He batted well in the second innings, but the quality of the opposition was high," said Hathurusinghe.