Win Projections to be updated soon
Ahead of the crucial second Test match between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur, starting September 27, Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has put to rest any doubts regarding Shakib al Hasan‘s availability. Despite speculation surrounding Shakib’s fitness after he sustained a finger injury in the first Test, Hathurusingha has confirmed that the veteran all-rounder is eligible for selection.
Shakib’s Fitness and Form
Shakib’s injury occurred while batting in the first Test in Chennai when he was struck on the finger by a delivery from Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. His limited participation in the nets at Kanpur, where he batted for just 8-10 balls before retiring, further fueled speculation about his fitness. However, Hathurusingha has categorically stated that he has not received any complaints from the team physio or anyone else regarding Shakib’s condition.
“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.
The coach also addressed concerns about Shakib’s recent form, which has been a topic of discussion. In the two-match series against Pakistan last month, Shakib managed only 38 runs in three innings, while in the opening Test against India, he scored 32 and 25. Hathurusingha, however, remains unfazed by these numbers, stating, “I am upset about not his (Shakib’s) performance, but our overall performance and how we could have done better.”
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Security Concerns
Another issue that has been in the spotlight ahead of the second Test is the security situation in Kanpur. Multiple right-wing organizations have called for protests against the matches, citing alleged recent attacks on Hindu communities in Bangladesh. In response, the Uttar Pradesh Police have beefed up security, deploying over 1,000 officers and implementing a three-tier security system for the teams.
Despite these concerns, Hathurusingha has expressed confidence in the Indian Cricket Board’s ability to handle the security arrangements. “We are not concerned about the security; we have trust that the Indian Cricket Board is looking after it,” he said.
One area of concern for Bangladesh that Hathurusingha did address is the team’s batting performance. In the first Test, several Bangladesh batters got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores. Hathurusingha acknowledged this issue, stating, “The concern is what we talk about whether we do that (convert their starts) in the middle and we normally talk about if you get a start make it big, and that’s the biggest concern.”
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