Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto cleared the air regarding Shakib Al Hasan, saying that the experienced left-arm spinner’s service was not need in the first innings of the first Test, considering the fact that the three pace bowlers were doing extremely well.

     At the same time, offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz was also bowling well and Bangladesh had India wobbled at 144-6.

     Shakib was introduced into the attack after 50 overs and bowled only eight overs in the first innings, giving away 50 runs. He also bowled just 13 overs in India’s second innings. Given that Shakib bowled almost 70 overs in two innings during his County Stint with Surrey just ahead of the Chennai Test, it raised a question whether the ace spinner was injured.

     “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,” Shanto said, replying to a query about Shakib after the Chennai Test, which they lost by 280 runs.

     During the fourth day morning session, a delivery of Jasprit Bumrah hit Shakib’s finger and as he was bleeding, he taped the finger to continue batting.

     “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,” he added.

     When Shakib’s fitness issue raised a question, Shanto said, “As a captain, honestly, I look at how much hard work a player is putting into his game.”

     “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.”

     Shanto also said that while the cricket is a team game, he is not worried about individual performance.

     “Overall, we should have all contributed more. I am not worried about individual performances.”

-BSS.