Bangladesh vs India: Shakib Al Hasan ruled out of crucial World Cup 2023 clash, Najmul Hossain Shanto leads

Shakib Al Hasan would not be a part of Bangladesh’s all-important match against India in the World Cup 2023 on Thursday, October 19 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. Najmul Hossain Shanto is set to lead the Tigers for the second time after he led for the first time against New Zealand last month at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Pune.

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The Tigers have roped in left-arm specialist spinner Nasum Ahmed as a replacement for Shakib, who failed to recover in time. Shanto, during the toss, confirmed that Shakib “is struggling a bit”.

The Tigers’ skipper faced fitness issues during the match against New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Later after scans, it was revealed that he had a minor quad tear. The 36-year-old returned to batting in the nets on Tuesday, October 17 and that would have given the Bangladesh camp a lot of relief.

On Thursday morning, Bangladesh team director, Khaled Mahmud Sujon, also a former national all-rounder, said that Shakib would undergo one last fitness test. Sujon said that Shakib was in no pain and discomfort, but was not running fast.

In the absence of the Magura-born Shakib, the Tigers had options in the form of spin-bowling all-rounder Mahedi Hasan and specialist Nasum.

Shakib has played three matches thus far in World Cup 2023. He has scored 55 runs at an average of 18.33 with a top score of 40 to show for his efforts. The left-arm spinner has also taken five wickets with a three-wicket haul to his name.

Bangladesh would keep their fingers crossed for Shakib to get fit before the match against Temba Bavuma’s South Africa on Tuesday, October 24 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.