Shakib, who was suffering from shoulder discomfort and a finger injury was under medical inspection after the first Test was over. The three-dimensional player was seen using strapping in the finger during the third day of the Chennai Test. In addition, he was also withheld for a long time during India’s first innings as skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto brought him into the attack after the 50th over, which is quite unusual. He bowled just 21 overs in the game and was expensive. On top of the shoulder discomfort, Shakib incurred a nasty blow at the finger off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling, adding to his woes.
Rumors were circulating about his unavailability after the 37-year-old didn’t last long during Bangladesh’s net sessions ahead of the second Test and was seen with the teams’ medical staffs. However, Hathurusingha brushed apart all the reports with the latest update on Shakib’s availability.
“I have not heard anything on Shakib regarding any complaints. I haven’t heard from my physio or anyone else so he is eligible for selection,” Hathurusingha told reporters at Kanpur on Wednesday. I am upset about not his (Shakib’s) performance, but our overall performance and how we could have done better. I am sure that he also thinks that he can perform better and we all know what he is capable of,” said Hathurusingha to a reporter in Kanpur.
India are currently at the top of the points table in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle and will be looking to strengthen their chances for the finals. Meanwhile, the Tigers will be looking to bounce back on a track that has historically been flat and supported the spinners as the game progressed.
