Soumya Sarkar out of action with side strain against Zimbabwe, Shakib set for return

Shakib Al Hasan has cancelled his paternity leave to play for his country

Bangladesh’s most prolific scorer in recent times, Soumya Sarkar has been ruled out of the three One-Day International (ODIs) and two Twenty20 (T20) against Zimbabwe with a strain on his left side. He has been replaced by Imrul Kayes for the first two ODIs, after Sarkar's MRI report on Thursday confirmed that he would be out for around two weeks.

While the team was training at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday, Sarkar overstretched his left side during a bowling stint in the nets. He immediately withdrew from training and also didn't bat on Wednesday despite planning to do so.

“Such injuries take around 2 to 3 weeks to heal and therefore he will miss the matches against Zimbabwe," Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) senior physician Dr. Debashis Chowdhury said to ESPNcricinfo. "He will begin his rehab under the BCB's medical team as soon as the pain subsides,” he added.

Sarkar has been one of the reasons behind Bangladesh’s good performances in the past year. Since making his ODI debut in December last year, the 22-year old has been a regular in the Bangladesh side throughout 2015, during which he became the team's highest scorer in ODIs with 672 runs.

His replacement Kayes last played an ODI during 2015 World Cup but he has been a regular feature in Tests. He became the highest scorer in the longer format for Bangladesh this year with 384 runs at an average of 54.85.

"It is a huge opportunity for me," Kayes said. "I haven't played ODIs since the World Cup. I have been in decent touch since the National Cricket League (NCL) started in September. I have worked on a few things and I have made some tactical changes to my batting.”

"I hope to do something good from this chance. I think my Test form will help me in ODIs. Scoring runs in international cricket, regardless of the format, gives a player confidence," he added.

Imrul and Anamul Haque were the leading candidates to replace Sarkar after their 105-run opening stand against the Zimbabwe in the practice match in Fatullah. Imrul came out on top because of the fluency with which he has been batting this season, according to the chief selector.

"I didn't take this innings as a path into the ODI team. I just tried to bat better in a one-day setting. I worked in the gaps in my game. I am batting well, and if I can continue in this vein, I can bat better," Imrul concluded.

Shakib Al Hasan back in the team

While Sarkar will be out, Shakib Al Hasan has returned to the team. He was not scheduled to play Zimbabwe at home as was granted paternal leave to be with his wife Umme Ahmed Shishir in USA. The couple is expecting their first child later this month. However, Shakib was back in Dhaka on Saturday evening to play the Zimbabwe series.

"My wife told me to come to Bangladesh," Shakib said on Monday. "I am here because of her. I had the option [of staying back] but she told me, 'I wouldn't like the look on your face when you sit here and watch the matches on TV. It is better you go play,'" he clarified.

The star’s return is a huge boost for the team because he is one of the most impactful players both with the bat and the ball.