Will Bangladesh miss Shakib in Champions Trophy? Skipper Shanto responds
What's the story
Bangladesh cricket team captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has brushed aside worries about Shakib Al Hasan's absence affecting the team's performance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. Notably, this will be the first time since Shakib's debut that Bangladesh will be playing an ICC event without their star all-rounder. On being asked about whether Shakib's absence will hurt Bangladesh during a press conference, Shanto simply replied with a firm "No." Here's more.
Career hiatus
Shakib's absence from international cricket
Shakib has been missing from international cricket since his last Test series in India. He also missed his 'farewell Test' against South Africa due to political unrest in Bangladesh and didn't play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Earlier, Shakib didn't make the cut for the multi-nation Champions Trophy event as he failed to pass his tests after being reported for suspect bowling action.
Stats
A look at Shakib's ODI and Champions Trophy numbers
The all-rounder has amassed 7,570 runs across 247 ODIs at an average of 37.29. In 234 innings he has smashed nine hundreds and 56 fifties striking at 82.82, (HS: 134*). With the ball, he has bagged 317 scalps in 241 innings averaging 29.52, (ER: 4.46). He also owns 10 four-wicket hauls and four five-wicket hauls. Meanwhile, in the Champions Trophy, he has managed 271 runs, in seven matches, (one ton). According to ESPNcricinfo, he owns three wickets in the tournament.
Team spirit
Shanto's confidence in Bangladesh's performance
Shanto, who scored 286 runs in ODIs last year at an average of 71.50, expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete against India. "I think we have to play well in all departments - batting, bowling, fielding - because I think the way we played the last few years in this format," he said. He further added, "I think we have a good side and, as you mentioned, the conditions are quite similar. I'm really confident."
Tournament history
Bangladesh's previous performance and future challenges
In the last Champions Trophy, Bangladesh made it to the semi-finals where they lost to India. Meanwhile, Shakib had played a pivotal role in their journey with a century against New Zealand. In the ongoing tournament, Bangladesh will not only meet India but also lock horns with Pakistan and New Zealand. Despite the odds, Shanto is hopeful of their chances.
Squad changes
Bangladesh's team composition for Champions Trophy
Apart from Shakib, Litton Das is also absent from the ODI squad due to poor performance in 2024. However, Bangladesh boast a formidable spin attack with Nasum Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan and Rishad Hossain. Meanwhile, their pace attack comprises Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana and Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Despite some recent losses since the ODI World Cup, Shanto remains confident about their performance in the upcoming tournament.
Squad
A look at Bangladesh's squad for the tournament
Bangladesh: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.