Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed surprise when asked about the pressure he felt to carry an out-of-form Shakib Al Hasan in the Test team. Shakib's underwhelming performance in the series opener sparked debate, with concerns arising about his fitness at the age of 37. Critics questioned whether his body could still meet the demands of five-day cricket. However, Shanto defended Shakib, highlighting his dedication to regaining form and contributing to the team's success.
In the opening Test against India, Bangladesh suffered a significant 280-run defeat. Shakib, struggling to find his rhythm, delivered his most expensive bowling figures in Test cricket, conceding 129 runs in 21 overs without taking a wicket. This marked the fifth instance in his career where he had gone wicketless after bowling at least 20 overs in a Test match.
When asked about Shakib's place in the team, Shanto remained composed, emphasizing the veteran's strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to the team.
"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 said after the match.
Shanto justified his decision not to bowl Shakib extensively in the first innings, stating that the pace bowlers were performing effectively, and he saw no need to rely heavily on spin at that particular time.
"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 added.
Meanwhile, former India cricketer Murali Kartik revealed that Shakib Al Hasan was dealing with discomfort in his spinning finger and shoulder during the match. Shakib, who underwent surgery on his bowling finger, was also seen bleeding from his taped-up finger, raising concerns about his physical condition. He had previously sustained a left index finger injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup and had been sidelined due to a shoulder issue.
Shanto acknowledged Shakib's physical challenges but emphasized that cricket is a team sport and individual performances should be evaluated within the context of the team's overall 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 signed off.
