Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman to join their IPL teams after Sri Lanka series

Bangladesh cricketers Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib-al-Hasan is expected to miss the initial few matches of IPL 2017 which begins at Hyderabad from 5th April. The whole Bangladesh squad will travel to Sri Lanka to play 2 Tests, 3 ODI’s and 2 T20’s and though their exact dates have not been finalized yet but they are expected leave for the island nation on 27th February. Their departure might be delayed by a day depending upon the availability of flights.

Both Shakib and Mustafizur have been retained by their respective IPL franchises Kolkata Knight Riders and defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad. The lanky left-arm pacer who missed the one-off Test against India due to an injury will return to the squad for the series in Sri Lanka. He was instrumental in helping the Sunrisers Hyderabad to their maiden IPL title last year.

While they were beaten quite comprehensively by India in the end by 208 runs, but the Bangla Tigers showed lots of resilience and their fighting character. Captain Mushfiqur Rahim scored a brilliant century in the 1st innings with Shakib also scoring 82. Teenager Mehedi Hasan who made an impressive debut against England looked impressive but went for plenty. Speaking on his experience Mehedi said, “It was a huge learning experience for me to have played against one of the best batsman like Virat Kohli. My confidence will increase after this test match.”

Following the end of the match, Mehedi met Indian captain Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian dressing room. While Kohli appreciated him for his impressive showing, Ashwin gave him some tips and suggested how to handle the situation of a match.

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He (Kohli) inspired us to do well in future. He appreciated my performance in the test match and motivated to do perform well ahead. He also said that I can make a name for myself he had if I play well and do the hard work. Ashwin gave me some tips about bowling and suggested how to handle the situations in the match,” Mehedi was quoted as saying by Xtra time.