Bangladesh’s campaign in the ICC World Cup faced a significant blow as Taskin Ahmed, the team’s premier fast bowler, was ruled out of their crucial game against South Africa. Taskin had already missed their previous game against India due to a lingering injury that is yet to heal fully.
Taskin’s Crucial Absence
Captain Shakib Al Hasan conveyed the unfortunate news, explaining that Taskin is suffering from a shoulder problem that has been impacting his performance in the recent matches. While the team is hopeful for Taskin’s return in the remaining four games, his absence poses a significant challenge, as there is currently no direct replacement for him.
Shakib emphasized Taskin’s importance, stating, “He is an important player for us, and we don’t want to lose him in the middle of the tournament. We are expecting him to be available for the next four games.”
Taskin Ahmed had initially incurred a shoulder injury during Bangladesh’s tour of South Africa in 2022. Although surgery was advised at the time, the team management opted against it with an eye on the 2022 T20 World Cup. Taskin’s discomfort and limitations became evident in recent matches, particularly against England, and it was ultimately decided to provide him with the necessary rest and rehabilitation to ensure his long-term availability.
Shakib’s Uncertain Return
Additionally, Bangladesh is closely monitoring the fitness of ODI skipper Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the game against India due to a quad tear. Shakib is expected to bowl for the first time since sustaining the injury during the match against New Zealand. While he has shown resilience in batting during training sessions, the final decision regarding his return will depend on his performance in a few delivery sessions and running activities.
As Bangladesh seeks to regain its momentum in the ICC World Cup, these injury concerns represent a significant hurdle. The team remains hopeful that Taskin’s rest and rehabilitation will facilitate his return for the remaining matches, while Shakib’s possible return to bowling could provide a much-needed boost to their campaign. The squad’s ability to adapt to these challenges will be pivotal in their quest for success in the tournament.
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