We Need Two Players To Replace Shakib, Says Mushfiqur Rahim
Sep 17, 2017 at 4:26 PM
Shakib Al Hasan’s decision take a break from Test cricket has put skipper Mushfiqur Rahim in some selection trouble. Shakib, world’s leading all-rounder, will be unavailable for the first two Test matches during the upcoming tour of South Africa after requesting BCB for a six-month break from Tests.
Speaking about the impact of his teammate’s decision, Mushfiqur said that replacing Shakib will require two players in the team which is bad news for any skipper. However, he also pointed out at the same time that other players will have a great opportunity ahead.
“We need two players to replace Shakib. It is a bad news for a captain that the No. 1 player is missing. But those who will play in his place have a great opportunity in front of them. We played without Shakib against West Indies, Zimbabwe, and New Zealand and we won, but we will still miss him. I hope he can use the break to recover fully.”
Mushfiqur also revealed that Shakib didn’t keep him in the loop when making the decision and it was only after BCB president’s announcement that he could know about this unprecedented development.
“I heard about it when he spoke to the board president. I prepared mentally, but you cannot replace him. Cricket is a team game. If we can play as a team, we can do well,” he said.
Mushfiqur, however, didn’t respond whether he would also consider a break, only saying:
“I haven’t become such a big player that I will need a break.”
Shakib’s absence now means that the skipper will have to think about his Test Xi once again. Shakib has left a dent in the batting and bowling department together and filling the void will be a tough challenge for him.