Shakib Al Hasan ruled out of second Test vs India? Chandika Hathurusingha provides massive update

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha dismissed rumors regarding Shakib Al Hasan’s finger injury ahead of the second Test against India.

Chandika Hathurusingha stated that he hasn't heard any updates from the team physio and added that Shakib Al Hasan will be available for selection.

There were concerns about Shakib's availability due to a finger injury he sustained during the first Test. He wasn't fully fit to act as a frontline spinner in Chennai. The left-arm spinner managed to bowl only 21 overs across both innings. Bangladesh faced a defeat of 280 runs in the first Test match.

During the break between the two Tests, Bangladesh physio and a selector said that Shakib is under observation, and a decision about his selection will be made as the match approaches.

Shakib Al Hasan Is Eligible For Selection - Chandika Hathurusingha

However, Chandika Hathurusingha stated that he has not received any updates about Shakib Al Hasan's injury that would impact his participation. Hathurusingha confirmed that Shakib is eligible for selection and added that he hasn't heard any injury reports from the physio.

“There is no doubt. At the moment I have not heard anything about any sort of injury - neither from the physio nor from anyone else. And, he is eligible for selection,” Hathurusingha said on Wednesday.

The veteran all-rounder sustained a finger injury while batting in the series opener in Chennai. A delivery from Jasprit Bumrah hit the left-handed batter. Shakib Al Hasan got starts in both innings of the match but failed to convert them into big scores. He scored 32 runs and 25 runs against India.

Not Upset About His Performance - Chandika Hathurusingha

Chandika Hathurusingha expressed that he is not disheartened by Shakib Al Hasan's performance but is concerned about the team's overall showing. He added that Shakib batted well in the second innings but couldn't turn his start into a big score because of the quality of the opposition.

“I’m not upset about his performance, but our overall performance. We all know what he (Shakib) is capable of,” Hathurusingha said.

“I think he batted really well in the second innings (in Chennai). He couldn’t go on, not because of lack of pride but for the sheer quality of the opposition…”

We Learned That From The Last Game - Chandika Hathurusingha

The second Test will be played in Kanpur from Friday, September 27. The Green Park pitch, known for favoring spinners, is also expected to provide opportunities for seamers. Two pitches are prepared for the Test match, and the final decision on the pitch will be made just before the match.

Hathurusingha emphasized that the motivation for the team should be representing their country. He also acknowledged the need to perform up to their potential, a lesson learned from their last game.

“For me, the motivation is playing for your country. But there’s a difference between motivation and you not playing according to your potential. We learned that from the last game,” Hathurusingha added.

Also read: Shubman Gill no Prince? Indian batter's fate described before Kanpur Test vs Bangladesh