Najmul Hossain Shanto breaks silence on carrying out-of-form Shakib Al Hasan in Bangladesh team

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hussain Shanto backed his teammate Shakib Al Hasan over his poor show after the defeat against India in the Chennai Test. Najmul Hossain Shanto said he looks forward to the preparation by a player to contribute to the team rather than his performance.

Shakib Al Hasan failed to make a mark in IND vs BAN 1st Test. The Bangladesh all-rounder failed to get any wickets off his 8 overs in the 1st innings. He also went wicketless in the 2nd innings.

With the bat, the left-handed batsman got out for 32 and 25 across both innings. Hasan also struggled against the Indian bowlers and did not look in good touch. He also struggled while batting with injury issues.

Also Read: Watch: Rishabh Pant misses Shakib Al Hasan’s easy stumping, Bangladesh all-rounder rubs salt in his wounds

Najmul Hossain Shanto backs Shakib Al Hasan

During the post-match press conference, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto defended Shakib Al Hasan. Shanto said he focuses more on how the player contributes to the team rather than his performance.

"As a captain, honestly, I look at how much hard work a player is putting into his game. Whether he is struggling enough to make a comeback what is their intention towards the team and how much he is willing to give to the team," Shanto told reporters.

"More than whether he is scoring runs or not, I look at how is his preparation. What is he thinking about the team. I am happy with the way that every member of this Test squad has prepared and been willing to give to the team," he added.

This is a team game: Najmul Hossain Shanto

Shanto also noted that Shakib was playing despite his injury while batting. He also said he is not concerned about individual performance and everybody should have contributed more for a victory.

"Shakib's finger was taped. He was bleeding from his finger from the last time he was hit there. I don't feel comfortable talking about a player's individual performance", he said.

"This is a team game, and only a whole team's contribution makes it possible to win a game. Overall, we should have all contributed more. I am not worried about individual performances," he added.

Recently, Shakib Al Hasan's ability to play five-day games at his age has created a lot of doubts among selectors. However, Hasan is one of the best all-rounders in international cricket and a legend for Bangladesh.

Also Read: Watch: Rishabh Pant flies like a Spiderman to save runs as Rohit Sharma's reaction takes away the spotlight

India crush Bangladesh by 280 runs

Meanwhile, Bangladesh faced a heavy defeat by 280 runs in IND vs BAN 1st Test at MA Chidambaram Stadium. Batting first in the match, India posted 376-10 in 1st innings.

Bangladesh were bundled out for just 149 in response to a lethal pace attack by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Bumrah picked 4 wickets while Siraj got 2 wickets to downplay the visitors.

In the 2nd innings, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill slammed centuries as Team India piled up a gigantic target of 515 for Bangladesh. Later, they bowled them out for 234, winning the game by a big margin.

Ravichandran Ashwin got 6 wickets and won the player of the match award. IND vs BAN 2nd Test will be played in Kanpur from September 27.