Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto has expressed his unwavering support for the struggling Shakib Al Hasan, emphasizing that the all-rounder is working tirelessly to regain his bowling form. In the opening Test against India at Chepauk, Shakib endured his most expensive bowling figures in his Test career, conceding 129 runs in 21 overs without taking a wicket.
Despite Shakib’s poor performance, Shanto remains confident in his abilities. “He (Shakib) is doing everything possible to get his form back,” Shanto said at the post-match press conference. “I look at how much hard work a player is putting into his game.”
Shanto believes that Shakib’s intentions and willingness to contribute to the team are more important than his current form. “I look at these things mainly,” he said. “I try to look at everyone in the same way, whether it is, from Nahid Rana to Mushfiq bhai.”
Shanto also justified his decision to not bowl Shakib enough in the first innings, explaining that the pacers were performing well. “I didn’t really need him (Shakib) in the first innings, seeing how the three pace bowlers were doing,” he said.
Former India left-arm spinner Murali Kartik revealed that Shakib had discomfort on his spinning finger and shoulder, having undergone surgery on his bowling finger. Shanto confirmed that Shakib’s finger was taped and that he was bleeding from it.
Despite the heavy defeat in the first Test, Shanto expressed confidence in a comeback in the second game in Kanpur. “We have to really focus on our strengths and believe in ourselves about how we can contribute to the team,” he said.
Shanto acknowledged the importance of the top-order firing in the second innings, but admitted that the batters caved in in the first innings. “I think it was very important learning wise,” he said. “In first innings batting, especially top of the order, we must be a little careful as we need to put in some runs.”
Shanto believes that the team can bounce back from this setback. “I hope they will come back stronger,” he said.
