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Did Shakib Al Hasan Play Chennai Test Vs India With Injury? Bangladesh Selector Reveals

Shakib Al Hasan wasn't at his usual best in Chennai Test (X)Shakib Al Hasan wasn't at his usual best in Chennai Test (X)

"Shakib is our best player. When he is in the playing eleven, it's easier for us to form the team combination," remarked Hannan Sarkar, Bangladesh's national selector, as he addressed the media following Bangladesh’s heavy 208-run defeat in the first Test against India. 

His comments sought to dispel rumours revolving around Shakib Al Hasan’s fitness, but the question on everyone's mind remains: Was Shakib Al Hasan fully fit in Chennai Test?

BCB Selector Sets Record Straight on Shakib Al Hasan’s Injury Drama

After a poor performance in the first Test, many speculated that Shakib may have played with an injury, particularly after visibly struggling on the field. The 37-year-old all-rounder, whose contributions with both bat and ball are often game-changing, looked a shadow of his usual self.

Despite his reputation as Bangladesh’s stalwart, Shakib’s efforts on the turning Chennai track fell short, and for fans and experts alike, alarm bells were ringing. However, Sarkar quickly dismissed any talk of an injury hampering Shakib's performance, stating that the team physios had given him the all-clear before the match.

“We know the pain in his hand is being discussed. It was not there before the match and many have tried to explain it in different ways. But before the match, we got a 100 percent clearance from the physio before taking him. He was a 100 percent fit then. You can't say it's an injury," Sarkar confirmed, putting to rest the whispers about Shakib nursing an old wound.

That said, it’s clear that something was amiss. During India’s innings, Shakib bowled only eight overs in the first and thirteen in the second, both without claiming a single wicket—an unusually quiet display for the star all-rounder, especially on a pitch that had plenty of turn on offer.

While Sarkar downplayed the discomfort Shakib felt in his finger during the game, it was hard to ignore. “The discomfort he felt in that finger was not there before the match. He felt that when he started to bowl,” Sarkar explained, hinting that the issue only arose during the game.


Will Shakib Play The Second Test In Kanpur?

Looking ahead to the second Test in Kanpur, Bangladesh finds itself in a tough spot. If Shakib’s fitness concerns prove more serious than initially thought, the team may need to bite the bullet and rest him, a decision that could drastically impact their strategy and lineup. 

Given Shakib’s importance to Bangladesh’s balance, it's clear that his absence would leave a hole larger than any cricketer can easily fill. Bangladesh will be hoping for their talisman to recover fully in time for the next match, but if the first Test is any indication, the road ahead could be bumpy.

As Sarkar himself admitted, “We always have to think before picking Shakib for the next match.” That decision could make or break Bangladesh’s chances of bouncing back in the series.

Meanwhile, with the pressure mounting and the team already 1-0 down, Shakib’s fitness saga will continue to dominate the headlines. To err is human, but to persist in error is diabolical. Bangladesh cannot afford another misstep. If Shakib’s injury concerns were brushed under the rug before Chennai, they must be dealt with now—before it’s too late.