Chattogram: Bangladesh head coach Russel Domingo has hinted that skipper Shakib Al Hasan could play as a pure batter in the second and final Test against India next week.
The spin all-rounder bowled only 12 overs during India's first innings and didn't roll his arms in the second essay due to rib and shoulder problems.
His 84 in Bangladesh's second innings was one of the positives in an otherwise insipid performance, which led to the home team's 188-run loss.
"He could play as a batter (only). Obviously he didn't bowl enough overs. He is still struggling with his shoulder and bruising. It left us with four bowlers - a big blow for us," Domingo said. Right arm medium pacer Ebadot Hossain was also unable to bowl in the second innings due to back injury.
"Ebadot broke down, so we were stuck with three bowlers. It is very difficult to balance the side at the moment. "I am not 100% sure if Shakib would be able to bowl. He is definitely available to play as a batter, which is an issue for us. We need an allrounder," Domingo added.
Fielded a question regarding Shakib's dedication to the side, Domingo said despite the skipper's laidback demeanour, "he is competing 100%."
"It is a tricky question. It is a good question. He comes across as very laidback, but when he is in the contest, he has pride in performance. Looking from the outside, you may think, 'Does he really care?'.