Debasis Sen, Colombo: Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, who was forced to miss the ongoing Nidahas Trophy has arrived in Colombo to encourage his teammates ahead of the tie against India on Thursday. Shakib was ruled out of the tournament owing to a finger injury. Mahmudullah is captaining the Bangladesh side in the absence of Shakib.
Shakib, who arrived in Colombo on Tuesday afternoon, will spend two days with teammates before leaving for Australia to meet surgeon Gregory Hoy.
During his short trip to emerald isle, Shakib is set to be examined by Sri Lankan physio Thihan Chandramohan. Thilan, who is based in Australia, is currently attached with the Bangladesh national team.
Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah admitted that the absence of Shakib will be a huge blow to the side.
“It is no doubt a huge blow as Shakib has been a pillar of strength in our squad but at the same time it also opens an opportunity for others to rise to the occasion,” said the Bangladesh captain during the pre-tournament press conference on Monday.
The Tigers are supposed to train at the R Premadasa stadium on Wednesday evening. It will be interesting to find out whether the presence of Shakib can lift the morale of the Bangladesh cricketers as they take on India.
Rohit Sharma led India team suffered a shock defeat in the first match of the tournament against hosts Sri Lanka on Monday. India lost the match by five-wickets.