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'He Is Struggling...': Captain Shanto Lends A Hand To Shakib Al Hasan Amid Poor Form

Bangladesh all-rounder and former skipper, Shakib Al Hasan (X.com) Bangladesh all-rounder and former skipper, Shakib Al Hasan (X.com) 

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said that Shakib Al Hasan has done everything possible to regain form with the ball and that the country's best all-rounder is doing everything possible to reclaim his form with the ball.

Shakib's poor run against India

In the opening Test against India at Chepauk, which Bangladesh lost by a staggering 280 runs, the 37-year-old Shakib recorded his most expensive bowling figures, conceding 129 runs in 21 overs without taking a wicket in either innings. This marked the fifth time in his career that he finished a Test match wicketless after bowling at least 20 overs.

"Very brave question. Masha Allah! as a captain, honestly, I look at how much hard work a player is putting into his game. He (Shakib) is doing everything possible to get his form back," Shanto said.

"Whether he is struggling enough to make a comeback (for me what is important is that) what is their intention towards the team and how much he is willing to give to the team," he said.

Shanto justified his decision to not bowl Shakib enough in the first innings by pointing out that the pacers were doing their job well.

"I didn't really need him (Shakib) in the first innings, seeing how the three pace bowlers were doing. Miraz too was bowling well. It was my plan to keep the fast bowlers on for longer. We took six wickets quickly too," he said.

Shakib was injured reveals Murali Kartik

While commentating, former India left-arm spinner Murali Kartik revealed that Shakib, who had undergone surgery on his bowling finger, was in discomfort on his spinning finger and shoulder. The Bangladesh star suffered a left index finger injury during the ODI World Cup last year and sat out for the match against India due to a shoulder issue.

Shanto said, "His ( 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. This is a team game, and only a whole team's contribution makes it possible to win a game. We have to focus on our strengths.'

Meanwhile, India will lock horns with Bangladesh in the second and final Test at Kanpur from September 27 onwards.