ICC World Cup 2023 | Hathurusinghe: We'll play Shakib only if he's fully fit

Shakib Al Hasan during a nets session on Tuesday. Pic/AFP

If Team India want to outclass Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here today, they have to handle their skipper and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan tactfully. The dangerous Shakib has been a performer against India. Last month, in the Asia Cup Super Four game at Colombo, his 85-ball 80 and the wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, helped his team beat India by six runs. However, Shakib's availability is in doubt. He is recovering from a thigh injury which he suffered during the game against New Zealand last Friday.

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Chandika Hathurusinghe

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe made it clear that his star player will not take the field if not 100 per cent fit. "He [Shakib] had a good batting session yesterday [Tuesday] and did a bit of running between wickets. We did a scan today [Wednesday] and are waiting for the results. At the moment, he's okay. We haven't tried bowling yet. We'll assess him tomorrow and make a decision," Hathurusinghe said.

When asked about his team's recent success against India and their chances here, the former Lankan cricketer said: "We've had success in the recent past against India, but at the World Cup, it's a different game altogether. India are probably the in-form team at this World Cup. If they don't have a good game and if we play to our potential, it's going to be a good game for us," he said.