Shakib Al Hasan Struggles with Finger and Shoulder Injuries, Says Murali Karthik

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 21: Former Indian spinner Murali Karthik revealed that Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is experiencing discomfort in his spinning finger and shoulder. Shakib bowled seven overs on day three after being brought into the attack by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, but had a poor spell against Rishabh Pant.

This year has been challenging for Shakib, who has scored just 295 runs in 18 innings across all formats at an average of 19.66, with one fifty. He has also taken only 18 wickets at an average of 39.88, with the best figures of 4/35.

Karthik, who was handling broadcasting duties, mentioned that Shakib had finger surgery on his bowling finger. Karthik said, “He has had a finger surgery on his bowling finger, which is swollen and rigid. There is no movement or suppleness to it, so he feels he is not getting any feeling out of it. Also, he is having issues with his shoulder, making it tough to bowl in Test cricket.”

Shakib had injured his left index finger during a match against Sri Lanka in the 50-over World Cup last year, which kept him out of action for a few months. He also had an eye problem, delaying his return to the Bangladesh team until March this year.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal commented that if Bangladesh picked Shakib despite his injuries, they are playing a bowler short. Tamim said, “Murali Kartik mentioned that Shakib is having trouble gripping the ball due to this finger injury. If that is the case, Bangladesh are playing with four frontline bowlers. The team management should inform whether they knew about this injury or not.”

However, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief physician Dr. Debashish stated that they are not aware of any discomfort to Shakib due to an injury. Dr. Debashish said, “Shakib had a fracture in his finger from the World Cup in India. Before that, he had an infection from another finger injury a few years ago. Shakib has not recently complained about a finger or shoulder injury. A broken finger, however, can cause discomfort.”