Shakib’s fitness overshadows all concerns

Following three defeats on the trot, a demoralised Bangladesh team reached Mumbai yesterday while not knowing whether Shakib Al Hasan will be able to lead from the front in their fifth game of the ongoing ICC World Cup.

The Tigers are supposed to rest today and will begin training at the Wankhede Stadium tomorrow afternoon as they prepare to take on a wounded South Africa on October 24.

Bangladesh have been on the wrong side of one-sided affairs in their last three outings -- the latest being a seven-wicket loss to hosts India on Thursday -- where batting continued to remain a major headache. On top of that, the uncertainty over Shakib's participation has added to the concerns, almost to the point that it eclipsed the rest.

It had been learned that the Bangladesh captain had sustained a Grade-1 tear on his left quadriceps during their game against New Zealand in Chennai on October 13, but it is yet to be officially stated.

Moreover, despite Shakib's second MRI scan report having arrived the night before the India clash, the team management kept everyone in the dark over his availability till the last moment of the match.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, stand-in captain during the India fixture, informed in the post-match presentation on Thursday that Shakib was sidelined as a precautionary measure. However, it seems the vagueness of his fitness status will continue to stretch till the toss occurs on Tuesday.  

A source close to Bangladesh Cricket Board, requesting anonymity, told the Daily Star yesterday,

"The tear was evident in the second report as well. The nature of injury is such that it needs to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. Hopefully, a clear picture will emerge on Sunday (October 22)."

The Bangladesh contingent traveled by road from Pune to Mumbai, which took about three hours. Perhaps the scenic splendor along the way will help to relieve Shakib and the troops' mental anguish.

Will the energy of Mumbai, known for its fast-paced lifestyle and being the hub of the Bollywood film industry, induce the Tigers to play entertaining cricket across all departments and write the script in their favor?

Bangladesh can clearly take a leaf out of the Netherlands' book, since the Dutch were able to gun down the high-flying Proteas.

However, given how Bangladesh has performed thus far in the ongoing showcase tournament, it is difficult to predict what awaits Chandika Hathurusingha and his charges as the pressure further mounts.