Revealed: Why Shakib Al Hasan is not playing against India in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match 17

Najmul Hossain Shanto is leading Bangladesh in absence of regular captain Shakib Al Hasan.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has won the toss and elected to bat first in a good batting wicket at MCA Stadium in Pune. India and Bangladesh are taking on each other in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 league game. Shakib Al Hasan didn't come out to play and Bangladesh will be going without their key player in a big game. Number one ODI all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is still unfit and will be missing out on action against India. 

So far only India and New Zealand are the two teams who are unbeaten in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Team India will be looking to continue their winning run in the tournament as well. Shakib Al Hasan suffered a quad tear against New Zealand in Chennai and missed preparations apart from Thursday in Bangladesh camp. Shakib was expected to miss the India game and will probably come back in the next one against South Africa at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. 

Shakib out for India game

Najmul Hossain Shanto is leading the Bangladesh side in Shakib’s absence and he came out for the toss in Pune. Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat against India. Talking about Shakib Al Hasan, he said, “Shakib is struggling a bit and Nasum Ahmed is coming in for him.” Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed has played 12 ODI games for Bangladesh and picked up 12 wickets. Nasum is a decent lower-order batter as well. 

Najmul Hossain Shanto is leading the Bangladesh team for the first time in his career. Najmul said that this is one of the proudest moments for him and his family. Shanto said, “Proud moment for me and my family. We would like to bat today. It looks like a fresh wicket. If we get a good score, it'll be good for the team… We have some great memories against India, hopefully, we continue our form.” Bangladesh defeated India in an ODI series last year. 

Team India remained unchanged as captain Rohit Sharma preferred to go with an unchanged match-winning playing XI. Shubman Gill will be opening the innings along with Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur has retained his place. Earlier there were reports of India going in with Mohammed Shami over Shardul Thakur. India have a decent record at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Bangladesh will be looking to stop India’s winning streak.