Shakib Al Hasan's Bizarre Act While Batting Against India Has Internet Confused; Here's The Explanation

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib-Al-Hasan walked out to take the crease with his side struggling in their first innings against India on Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as the visitors were reeling at 36/4 on Day 2 of the first Test.

What stood out was the thread Shakib seemed to be biting on, which was attached to the helmet as he took the crease.

While many wondered if it was a strap attached to the helmet or a thread around the neck and the purpose it served, former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik divulged that he had been informed by Tamim Iqbal, who is also one of the commentators, that the thread serves a functional purpose with regards to the southpaw’s stance.

Karthik explained that the thread acts as a self-check mechanism, aiding in ensuring that Shakib’s head did not drop towards the leg while taking his batting stance.

The tension in the string acts as a reminder for Shakib if and when his head starts to tilt towards the leg,  permitting the batter to maintain his balance. The unusual practice is believed to enhance the batter’s focus.

Shakib managed to add 32 runs to the board as he top-scored for the visitors before Ravindra Jadeja sent the southpaw packing as Rishab Pant help onto the catching opportunity provided by the veteran.

India posted a first innings total of 376 runs riding on a ton from hometown hero Ravichandran Ashwin after a top-order collapse on the opening day of the Test at Chepauk.

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli all went cheaply before Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant restored some stability with their fourth wicket stand before the wicketkeeper-batter was dismissed.

Jaiswal reached the half-century mark before departing the crease, while KL Rahul added 16 runs to the tally.

Jadeja and Ashwin stitched up a 199-run stand to take India to a comfortable position before the Bangla bowlers wrapped up the Indian tail.

The hosts returned to the field with the ball in their hand as star pacer Jasprit Bumrah stood out with a four-wicket haul, which pushed his overall international wickets tally past the 400 mark as the Indians bundled out the Bangla Tigers for 149 runs.