Definitely for blooming Bangladesh absence of Shakib, the best all rounder in all formats was a huge blow His regaining of fitness and return to main fold will definitely bring joy and confidence in the Bangladesh camp today for what is virtually the semi final of the Nidahas trophy. Bangladesh plays the home team. A fit Shakib can walk into any team of world cricket of any format. He is the Bangladesh captain of Test and now in T20. There are several instances in the past that leading players in the pasy even with 75% fitness led from the front in winning major trophies. Let us not forget about Imran Khan winning ICC World Cup in Melbourne in 1992 with shoulder injury. Brain Lara and Vivian Ricahrads played with injuries on several occasion. We hope Shakib is match fit and he won’t be risked.
If he himself does not opt to lead there is no issue with him leading the team. Ideally Mahmudullah should lead and Shakib should have no issues playing under his command. Shakib absence would bring the ideal balance in the team lacking so far. He is three in one player. His inclusion adds great value to bowling attack and strengthens the batting. He is good fielder in any position. I had few options in mind. He would definitely bat in top order. In T20 in the present team I would suggest him batting at number three. But then where would Soumya fit in? He is not in form and in tow matches he looked terribly out of sorts. Is there any point continuing with him? Shakib can replace him. If Soumya is there Shakib has to bat at four and Mushfique at five. Mushfique is in prolific form. Number five would be too late for him.
I have also considred replacing Mehedy Miraj with Shakib. That would be useful also. Sri Lankans play off spin well and Miraj could not make much impact so far. But staying with Soumya will not be useful.
Anyway Shakib will definitely bring new dimension. Four of the five golden generation Bangladesh cricketers will be available again. Mashrafee’s absence is also keenly felt. But there is nothing to do than absorbing that now. Pacers are struggling. Mashrafee could handle Taskin and Mustafiz much bteer apart from his own skillfull bowling at the top, Mashrafee is not born every day.
I would suggest bringing back Taskin for the match. I have seen Rony. He is definitely a potential future player. But another bad day with the ball will cast dark shadow on his career. Let Taskin bowl in teandem with Mustafiz and Rubeltoday. Bangladesh must bowl well as a team today restricting Sri Lanka within reachable target. With Shakib back in fold the options have widened. Young gun snake dancer Opu will pair with Shakib in snaking through Lankan defense. Hatura will have to worry.
Shakib’s batting would be bonus. He can bat at number three if Taimim and Liton can give a reasonable start. If not he should be held back till number 5 as any player whatever great he might be needs a bit of time out there to get tuned . Bangladesh can bat first today and post 180 plus. Home team would be under tremendous pressure of expectation. Bangladesh must exploit.
My Team for the day
Tamim, Lion, Mahmudullah, Mushfique, Shakib, Sabbir, MehediMiraj, NazmulOpu, Taskin, Rubel andMustafiz
BDST: 1700 HRS, MAR 16, 2018
AP
