Shakib Al Hasan displays football skills donning Lionel Messi jersey during team practice session ahead of second Test

It has been three days since Argentina’s memorable FIFA World Cup 2022 triumph at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, but Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan has not got out of the euphoria yet as he was seen practicing having donned Lionel Messi’s jersey in Mirpur ahead of the second Test against India starting December 22, Thursday.

Bangladesh will be hosting India in the series-deciding second Test match at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday, December 22. India are 1-0 up having drawn first blood at Chattogram with an emphatic 188-run victory.

Shakib Al Hasan brings the Argentina fan in him

During Bangladesh’s team practice session ahead of their crucial game against India, Shakib Al Hasan was spotted wearing Lionel Messi’s jersey instead of the regular practice gear. Moreover, he showcased a hidden footballer in him in the team’s football session.

Watch the video here.

Notably, Shakib had also celebrated Argentina’s victory on the streets of Dhaka. The veteran all-rounder who had also donned the La Albiceleste jersey that night was mobbed by the fans as he was driving the car and while they clicked his pictures, the southpaw obliged by waving back at them.

Meanwhile, both Bangladesh and Shakib have a task at their hands as they must win this Test match to ensure that the series is levelled. The focus will be on the hosts’ underfire top-order batters and they would be expected to get some vital runs under their belt.

Shakib, who had scored only three runs in the first innings made up for it by brilliantly scoring 84 in the second. The veteran all-rounder would now be hoping to showcase impactful performances with both bat and the ball with the series on the line.

India, on the other hand, have suffered a scare ahead of the match as stand-in captain KL Rahul injured his hand during a throwdown session after which he was assessed by the team doctors. Should Rahul be unfit for this game, then veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara will take over the leadership duties.