Former India captain Virat Kohli gave his bat to Bangladesh's veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan as his farewell gift after India won the second Test match by seven wickets at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.
Shakib has announced that the upcoming series against South Africa will be his last on home soil, provided he is given the opportunity. Otherwise, the series against India will serve as his farewell series.
"I am available for the South Africa series, but since there's a lot happening back home, naturally, not everything depends on me. I have discussed my plans for Test cricket with the BCB. Especially this series and the home series. I was thinking that it could be my last Test series," Shakib said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the second Test against India in Kanpur.
"I have told [BCB president] Faruque bhai and the selectors. If there's a chance and if I can play, my last Test will be in Mirpur. The board is trying to ensure that I can play and feel safe, at the same time that I can leave the country without a hitch. I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I shouldn't have any problem going back to Bangladesh. My concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh. My close friends and family members are concerned. I hope things are getting better. There should be a solution to it," he added.
As of now, the Proteas series in October is still tentative as Cricket South Africa is yet to give security clearance after the inspection of the venue earlier this week, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Virat Kohli vs Shakib Al Hasan matchups
Virat Kohli has faced Shakib Al Hasan in 23 innings where the former India captain scored 241 runs with a batting strike rate of 88.60. On the other hand, Shakib dismissed him seven times.
