Shoriful Islam Misses India Tests: Bangladesh Opts for New Face in Squad

Bangladesh left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against India. The 23-year-old pacer, still recovering from a groin injury, is absent from the squad following his sidelining in the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. His exclusion is the sole change from the 16-man squad that secured…


Shoriful Islam Misses India Tests: Bangladesh Opts for New Face in Squad

Bangladesh left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against India. The 23-year-old pacer, still recovering from a groin injury, is absent from the squad following his sidelining in the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. His exclusion is the sole change from the 16-man squad that secured a historic 2-0 series victory over Pakistan.

National selector Hannan Sarkar explained the decision:

Shoriful isn’t fully fit at the moment. He wasn’t available for selection for the second Test in Pakistan, and he’s still not at the required fitness level for Test cricket, which demands longer spells and greater endurance. We’re keeping a close eye on his recovery, and our physios are closely monitoring his progress. While he’s not ready for Test matches, we’re hopeful he’ll be fit for the T20I series.

In place of Shoriful Islam, selectors have opted to introduce wicket-keeper batter Jaker Ali Anik, who is set to make his Test debut. Known for his aggressive T20 performances, Ali impressed during Bangladesh A’s recent tour of Pakistan. With the Indian conditions not necessitating an additional fast bowler—Bangladesh already has four in the squad—Ali’s inclusion bolsters the middle order and alleviates some of the pressure on Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim, allowing them to focus solely on their batting.


IND vs BAN: Bangladesh Names Squad for Upcoming Test Series Against India


Sarkar further elaborated on the selection strategy:

We took five pacers to Pakistan, but for this series, we’ve opted for one less and brought in a middle-order specialist. Given the conditions and the opposition, strengthening the middle order was a priority.

Bangladesh will kick off the Test series with their first match in Chennai, followed by the second Test in Kanpur.

Squad:

  • Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
  • Mahmudul Hasan Joy
  • Zakir Hasan
  • Shadman Islam
  • Mominul Haque
  • Mushfiqur Rahim
  • Shakib Al Hasan
  • Litton Kumer Das
  • Mehidy Hasan Miraz
  • Taijul Islam
  • Nayeem Hasan
  • Nahid Rana
  • Hasan Mahmud
  • Taskin Ahmed
  • Syed Khaled Ahmed
  • Jaker Ali Anik