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World Cup 2023: Shakib Al Hasan in doubt for the highly anticipated clash against India

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is doubtful to start against India after sustaining an injury in the match against New Zealand.

By Soumya | Oct 14, 2023 | 3 Min Read

Shakib Al Hasan looks in doubt about making it to the playing XI after he was taken for scans post the match against New Zealand. Shakib had earlier suffered cramps during the midway of the first innings itself. However, the Bangladeshi captain was involved in a crucial partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim after the Kiwis rattled the Bangladeshi top order. Naturally, Shakib decided to stick on to save the capsizing ship of Bangladesh. Subsequently, Shakib played a crucial knock of 40 in a 96-run partnership with Rahim. As a result, Bangladesh was able to post a challenging total of 245-9 in 50 overs. But the problem was the injury that Shakib sustained during the batting has raised several questions over his inclusion in the playing XI against India.

Later on, during the post-match conference, vice-captain Najmul Hossain Shanto came for the same. This raised a lot of doubts about the extent to which Al Hasan was injured. Shanto shared insights on the team’s performance along with Shakib’s injury. The left-handed batsman then discussed the areas of concern after their loss. Additionally, New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson expressed his delight at the performance. Ferguson emphasized the importance of a good team effort and favourable pitch conditions during the World Cup.

Will Shakib feature in the Playing XI of Bangladesh against India?

The entire Bangladesh looks in jeopardy as Shakib gets injured midway in the match against the Kiwis. The Bangladesh captain is the latest entry to the long list of injuries that have plagued the teams during the ongoing tournament. According to a BCB official on Saturday, “I am not sure whether he is available for the next game or not, but there is certainly some doubt since he has sustained a slight tear”. However, the official refrained from commenting on the extent of the injury. The Bangladesh camp will be hoping for Shakib’s speedy recovery. Given the amount of cricketing talent that Shakib possesses, Bangladesh will definitely like him to feature against India.

Meanwhile, Shanto confirmed the earlier rumours surrounding Shakib’s scans, “Shakib has gone for a scan after that, we’ll know more.” He added from the match against the Kiwis, “It was a good wicket, so we just needed to be a bit more responsible at the start. Last match we didn’t bowl well but today everyone showed their character. If they continue like this it will be very good going forward. The biggest improvement is our fast bowling, if we bat well in the next few games it will be a different ball game.”

Shakib has an average of around 38 and a strike rate of around 90 against India. While on the subcontinent his strike rate is around 83 and an average of 35. However, it’s his bowling that has helped Bangladesh time and again to make crucial comebacks. Shakib’s economy in Asia is a meagre 4.17 while against India it is 4.87. The match between the two sides is scheduled to take place in Pune. Naturally, if the pitch offers a little bit of turn also, the Tigers will need their number 1 all-rounder.