NEW DELHI: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto on Sunday expressed his support for the underperforming Shakib Al Hasan, emphasizing the all-rounder’s efforts to regain his bowling form.
In the recent loss to India at Chepauk, Bangladesh were defeated by a margin of 280 runs.
Shakib, who is 37, recorded his most expensive bowling figures in Test cricket, conceding 129 runs in 21 overs without claiming a wicket in either innings.
The match marked the fifth instance in Shakib’s career where he failed to take a wicket after bowling a minimum of 20 overs in a Test match.
When questioned about Shakib’s position in the Test team, Shanto responded, “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 told reporters at the post-match press conference.
“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.
“I look at these things mainly. Some people might think that I am saying it because the question is about Shakib bhai. I try to look at everyone in the same way, whether it is, from Nahid Rana to Mushfiq bhai.
“More than whether he is scoring runs or not, I look at how is his preparation. What is his thinking about the team. I am happy with the way that every member of this Test squad has prepared and been willing to give to the team,” the skipper added.
Shanto justified his decision to limit Shakib’s bowling in the first innings by pointing out the effective performance of the pace bowlers.
“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.
While commentating, former India left-arm spinner Murali Kartik revealed that Shakib had discomfort on his spinning finger and shoulder, having undergone a surgery on his bowling finger.
The Bangladesh star suffered a left index finger injury during the ODI World Cup last year, and sat out for the match against India during the tournament 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’
Although Bangladesh faced a heavy defeat in the series opener, Shanto said he is optimistic about a turnaround in the second match in Kanpur.
“They (India) have all quality bowlers — spin and pace both, but we cannot think too much about their strength,” he told reporters during the post-match press conference.
“We have to really focus on our strengths and believe in ourselves about how we can contribute to the team. I believe there are a lot of experienced players in our side, and I hope they will come back stronger.”
Reflecting on the lessons from the Test, Shanto stressed the importance of the top order delivering, noting that the batters faltered in their first innings, diminishing their chances against the strong hosts.
“I think it was very important learning wise. In first innings batting, especially top of the order, we must be a little careful as we need to put in some runs.
“And, going forward, I think all the batters think that they can bounce back. So, we will see.”
Starting from their overnight 158 for four on the fourth morning, Bangladesh were bundled out for 234 in their second innings as Ravichandran Ashwin scythed through their line-up with brilliant figures of 6/88.
“Today, I think the morning session was very tough. The way all the (Indians) bowlers bowled was really well,” he continued.
“But, I think Shakib batted really well, and we tried to contribute to the team by trying to bat as long as we could, and that is one positive thing about today’s morning session. After that, I think we didn’t bat well.”
Shanto was Bangladesh’s top-scorer with 82 in the team’s second innings.
“The way I batted — that is how I bat, especially in these conditions and against quality spinners. I was very clear with my plans. I think everyone has a different plan, and I hope they will plan differently next match,” he signed off.
In the recent loss to India at Chepauk, Bangladesh were defeated by a margin of 280 runs.
Shakib, who is 37, recorded his most expensive bowling figures in Test cricket, conceding 129 runs in 21 overs without claiming a wicket in either innings.
The match marked the fifth instance in Shakib’s career where he failed to take a wicket after bowling a minimum of 20 overs in a Test match.
When questioned about Shakib’s position in the Test team, Shanto responded, “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 told reporters at the post-match press conference.
“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.
“I look at these things mainly. Some people might think that I am saying it because the question is about Shakib bhai. I try to look at everyone in the same way, whether it is, from Nahid Rana to Mushfiq bhai.
“More than whether he is scoring runs or not, I look at how is his preparation. What is his thinking about the team. I am happy with the way that every member of this Test squad has prepared and been willing to give to the team,” the skipper added.
Shanto justified his decision to limit Shakib’s bowling in the first innings by pointing out the effective performance of the pace bowlers.
“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.
While commentating, former India left-arm spinner Murali Kartik revealed that Shakib had discomfort on his spinning finger and shoulder, having undergone a surgery on his bowling finger.
The Bangladesh star suffered a left index finger injury during the ODI World Cup last year, and sat out for the match against India during the tournament 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’
Although Bangladesh faced a heavy defeat in the series opener, Shanto said he is optimistic about a turnaround in the second match in Kanpur.
“They (India) have all quality bowlers — spin and pace both, but we cannot think too much about their strength,” he told reporters during the post-match press conference.
“We have to really focus on our strengths and believe in ourselves about how we can contribute to the team. I believe there are a lot of experienced players in our side, and I hope they will come back stronger.”
Reflecting on the lessons from the Test, Shanto stressed the importance of the top order delivering, noting that the batters faltered in their first innings, diminishing their chances against the strong hosts.
“I think it was very important learning wise. In first innings batting, especially top of the order, we must be a little careful as we need to put in some runs.
“And, going forward, I think all the batters think that they can bounce back. So, we will see.”
Starting from their overnight 158 for four on the fourth morning, Bangladesh were bundled out for 234 in their second innings as Ravichandran Ashwin scythed through their line-up with brilliant figures of 6/88.
“Today, I think the morning session was very tough. The way all the (Indians) bowlers bowled was really well,” he continued.
“But, I think Shakib batted really well, and we tried to contribute to the team by trying to bat as long as we could, and that is one positive thing about today’s morning session. After that, I think we didn’t bat well.”
Shanto was Bangladesh’s top-scorer with 82 in the team’s second innings.
“The way I batted — that is how I bat, especially in these conditions and against quality spinners. I was very clear with my plans. I think everyone has a different plan, and I hope they will plan differently next match,” he signed off.