'Still Eligible for Selection': Bangladesh Head Coach, Hathurusinghe on Shakib Al Hasan's Availability for Kanpur Test

Ahead of the second Test between India and Bangladesh set to be played in Kanpur at the Green Park Stadium on Friday, the Bangladesh Head Coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe revealed that their veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan continues to be available for selection despite injury concerns.

The 37-year-old all-rounder was a doubt for the Kanpur Test after it was revealed that he had picked up an injury to his finger while facing Jasprit Bumrah in the previous Test that took place in Chennai.

“At the moment, I haven’t heard from my physio or from anyone. He is still eligible for selection,” Hathurusinghe said after the team’s first training session in Kanpur.

Leaving the injury aside, Shakib’s overall form has been a big question mark for the visitors. His last decent score with the bat came against Ireland in the Test that took place in Mirpur on April 2023. But the Bangladesh Head Coach is not too bothered as they believe he still has the capabilities of putting in better performances.

“I am not upset about his performance. Our overall performance, we could have done better. I am sure that he also thinks that he can perform better. We all know what he is capable of,” Hathurusinghe commented.

Speaking on Shakib’s performance in the Chennai Test, Hathurusinghe believes Shakib had a positive show during the second innings but the quality of his opponent got the better of the veteran all-rounder.

“He batted really well in the second innings. He couldn’t go on, not because of a lack of pride. It’s the sheer quality of the opposition,” he said, backing the veteran player.

Bangladesh did have their moments during the previous match. But they will need a lot more should they hope to get the better of India who have been dominant in home conditions. For that to happen, Shakib will likely have a big part to play with both bat and ball.

Shakib might be in the final stretches of his cricketing career, but he hopes that he can get back to his best form and hope that he can deliver once again. Reports have suggested that the pitch in Kanpur would be different to the ones in Chennai. With a black soil pitch on offer, maybe the veteran all-rounder could see himself getting some decent performances against Rohit Sharma’s side.

(with PTI Inputs)