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'Pakistan Inexperienced, India Unbeatable' - Shakib Al Hasan Shares Contrasting Tale

Shakib Al Hasan unveils challenges faced by Bangladesh vs India (BCCI)Shakib Al Hasan unveils challenges faced by Bangladesh vs India (BCCI)

As Bangladesh prepares to seek redemption in the second Test against India, veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan revealed how challenging India at home is relatively an uphill task compared to beating Pakistan at their home turf.

Bangladesh, who secured an inspiring series sweep victory over Pakistan a few weeks ago, were outclassed by India in the first Test held at Chennai last week.

While Bangladesh was expected to pose a tough fight after inducing a collapse in the first inning, once the game progressed, the Tigers appeared lost and had no response to India’s dominance.

Shakib Al Hasan says tough to beat world class team, India

The end result was a 280-run humiliating defeat, which certainly disappointed the Bangladeshi fans. However, Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s senior all-rounder recently shared his perspective of the challenges posed by India while comparing it to the series victory over Pakistan.

Shakib Al Hasan, who announced his imminent retirement from Test cricket, opined that Pakistan team was inexperienced compared to Bangladesh, which allowed the latter to overpower them in Rawalpindi.

"Pakistan is a relatively new team. In experience, I would say, if you look at the matches they played and if you look at our team and the matches we have played, we have got more experience than them. And in Test cricket I think that is a massive factor," Shakib said.

On the flip side, India are invincible at home as they are yet to lose a home series in the past 12 years. Hence, outclassing the men in blue in India is a steep challenge which his team miserably failed to overcome, added Shakib.

"If I talk about India, they are the number one team in the World Championship at this moment. They are probably unbeatable at home. They have been doing well outside India as well. Any country that came to India finding it difficult, we are no different there," he added.

The all-rounder added that the India tour is perhaps the toughest assignment for Bangladesh in recent times. But regardless of the first Test outcome, his team will fight tooth and nail in Kanpur.

Shakib Al Hasan doubtful for Kanpur Test

In what could be a significant setback to Bangladesh, veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is likely to miss the second Test against India in Kanpur due to a finger injury sustained while facing Jasprit Bumrah in Chennai.

While Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe revealed that Shakib is available for selection, a final decision is pending an assessment. Notably, the all-rounder hinted at the Kanpur Test being his final red-ball game if BCB fails to arrange a farewell Test for him in Mirpur.