Bangladesh's Shanto backs rusty Shakib Al Hasan to bounce back after Chennai failure

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto backed the struggling Shakib Al Hasan to regain form, saying that the star all-rounder is doing everything in his capacity to regain his form with the ball.

In Short

• Shanto backed the struggling Shakib Al Hasan to regain form
• Shakib's lackluster performance in the 1st Test sparked debate
• Bangladesh suffered a crushing 280-run loss to India

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was surprised when asked if he felt pressure over carrying an out-of-form Shakib Al Hasan in the Test team. Shakib's lackluster performance in the series opener has sparked debate, with concerns raised about his fitness. Pundits are increasingly questioning whether his body, at 37, can still handle the demands of five-day cricket. Speaking at a post-match press conference, Shanto highlighted Shakib's dedication to regaining his form and contributing to the team's success.

In the opening Test, Bangladesh suffered a crushing 280-run defeat to India. Shakib, 37, had a difficult outing, delivering his most expensive bowling figures in Test cricket, conceding 129 runs in 21 overs without taking a wicket across both innings. This marked the fifth time in his career he had gone wicketless after bowling at least 20 overs in a Test.

When questioned about Shakib's place in the side, Shanto responded calmly, emphasizing the veteran's work ethic and commitment. "As a captain, I focus on how much hard work a player is putting into their game. Shakib is doing everything possible to get his form back," Shanto remarked. He stressed the importance of intent and the player's willingness to contribute to the team, adding that this approach applied not just to Shakib but to all squad members, from younger players like Nahid Rana to experienced figures like Mushfiqur Rahim.

Chennai Test, Day 4: Highlights | Report

Shanto also defended his decision not to bowl Shakib extensively in the first innings, explaining that the pacers were performing well, and he did not feel the need to rely heavily on spin at that point. "Our fast bowlers were doing a great job, and Miraz was also bowling well. We took six wickets quickly, so I didn't feel the need to use Shakib extensively," Shanto explained.

Former India cricketer Murali Kartik, while commentating on the match, revealed that Shakib was dealing with discomfort in his spinning finger and shoulder. Shakib, who had surgery on his bowling finger, was also seen bleeding from his taped-up finger during the match, raising concerns about his physical condition. He had sustained a left index finger injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup, which had previously sidelined him for a match against India due to a shoulder issue.

Shanto acknowledged Shakib's physical challenges but reiterated that cricket is a team sport, and individual performances must be viewed within the context of the whole team's efforts. "I don't feel comfortable talking about a player's performance. This is a team game, and only a collective team effort leads to winning a match," Shanto concluded.