Will Shakib Al Hasan Play Bangladesh's 2nd Test vs India In Kanpur?
Shakib announced his retirement (PTI)
In a latest turn of events, Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from T20 Internationals with immediate effect. He also stated that the second Test against India could be his last if the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) does not arrange a farewell match against South Africa at home.
This marks a significant moment for Shakib, who has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh cricket, however, he will play the Kanpur Test against India if included in the Playing XI considering his recent injury concerns.
Shakib's Injury Troubles
Shakib was seen biting down on a black strap wrapped around his neck while at the crease during the first Test. Later on it was revealed that this was a self-devised mechanism developed in order to keep his head from falling over when playing the ball.
His journey has faced a significant hurdle due to Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC), a vision-related condition diagnosed last year that causes fluid accumulation beneath the retina, leading to distorted vision. To combat this challenge, Shakib has invested countless hours in refining his batting technique, focusing on maintaining optimal sight of the ball.
Shakib's Participation Doubtful For Home Test
Having played 70 Tests, Shakib has scored 4,600 runs and taken 242 wickets, making him a pivotal figure in the team. However, he faces uncertainties regarding his participation in the Test match against South Africa due to security concerns stemming from allegations related to a murder case during political unrest in Bangladesh.
The 37-year-old has had a stellar T20 career, featuring in 129 matches, but he will continue to participate in franchise leagues. His final international appearance for Bangladesh is expected to be in the Champions Trophy, likely to be held in the UAE and Pakistan.
"I have expressed my desire to play my last Test in Mirpur to BCB. They agreed with me. They are trying to organise everything so that I can go to Bangladesh. If that won't happen, the match against India in Kanpur would be my last in Test cricket," he said.
Hasan's Outing vs India At Chennai
Shakib Al Hasan struggled in the first Test against India, going wicketless on a spinner-friendly pitch. His inability to perform against a strong bowling attack, coupled with recent injuries, made his retirement decision predictable and unsurprising.