As the cricketing world gears up for the second Test between India and Bangladesh, veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has heaped praise on the Indian team, calling them the “number one team” in the world. His comments come ahead of the crucial match set to be played at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September
Source : TOI
In a pre-match press conference, Shakib Al Hasan did not hold back in his admiration for the Indian cricket team. “If I talk about India, they are the number one team in the World Championship at this moment. They are probably unbeatable at home. I saw a stat somewhere where for some 4000 days they have been unbeaten in India. So, that shows how good they are in India,” Shakib remarked. His acknowledgment of India’s prowess highlights the formidable challenge that Bangladesh faces in the upcoming Test.
Source:- bbc news
Shakib also pointed out India’s impressive performances outside their home turf, emphasizing that any team visiting India finds it difficult to compete. “They have been doing well outside India as well. Any country that came to India finds it difficult, and we are no different there. But having said that, we have to play really well against them to be able to show the fight that we feel like we can put on,” he added
The first Test in Chennai saw India secure a commanding 280-run victory over Bangladesh. The match was marked by stellar performances from Indian players, including Ravichandran Ashwin, who scored a century and took a five-wicket haul, and Jasprit Bumrah, who led the pace attack with precision. Despite a promising start by Bangladesh, with Hasan Mahmud picking up a five-wicket haul, the team struggled to maintain momentum against the dominant Indian side.
Shakib acknowledged the challenges his team faced in the first Test but remained optimistic about their potential to bounce back. “I think in patches we played really well in Chennai, but finishing the match in three and a half days isn’t ideal for us. We felt like we are a better team than that. Tomorrow we have another opportunity, and we need to show our potential in tomorrow’s match,” Shakib stated
As Bangladesh prepares for the second Test, discussions around potential changes in the playing XI have been rife. Shakib’s comments have sparked debates among cricket analysts and fans about the strategies Bangladesh might employ to counter India’s strengths. The inclusion of young talents and the rotation of key players are among the considerations being discussed.
The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, is expected to maintain its strong lineup, with players like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant continuing to play pivotal roles. The depth and versatility of the Indian squad have been key factors in their recent successes, both at home and abroad.
In addition to his praise for the Indian team, Shakib Al Hasan made a significant announcement regarding his career. The legendary all-rounder revealed that he would be retiring from T20Is and Test cricket, with the upcoming Dhaka Test against South Africa in October set to be his final appearance in the longest format of the game. However, Shakib will continue to represent Bangladesh in ODIs, focusing on the 2024 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Shakib’s decision marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket, as he has been a cornerstone of the team for over a decade. His contributions with both bat and ball have been instrumental in many of Bangladesh’s memorable victories. Reflecting on his career, Shakib expressed gratitude to his fans and teammates for their unwavering support.
Shakib’s comments and his retirement announcement have generated significant buzz among cricket enthusiasts. Fans have taken to social media to express their admiration for Shakib’s illustrious career and their excitement for the upcoming Test match. The anticipation for the second Test is palpable, with many eager to see how Bangladesh will respond to the challenge posed by the formidable Indian team
As the cricketing world watches, the second Test between India and Bangladesh promises to be a thrilling encounter. With Shakib Al Hasan’s high praise for the Indian team and his own impending retirement adding to the narrative, the match is set to be a significant event in the cricketing calendar
Shakib Al Hasan’s laudatory remarks about the Indian cricket team underscore the respect and recognition that India commands in the cricketing world. As Bangladesh prepares to face the top-ranked team in the second Test, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive match. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing the strategies and performances that unfold in Kanpur, making this Test a must-watch event
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