Hathurusingha satisfied with Shakib's fitness and improved vision

Shakib Al Hasan wasn't always known for putting in extensive work on his fitness. Often, he would skip training sessions.

However, with age and increasing competition within the team, the experienced all-rounder has had to change his approach. In recent years, Shakib has shown a marked focus on his fitness, and he continues to maintain this discipline. This has not gone unnoticed by head coach Chandika Hathurusingha.

The Sri Lankan coach observed that Shakib appeared fitter than before. Shakib, who had been struggling with vision problems in his right eye during batting, has also seen improvement after receiving treatment. According to Bangladesh's head coach, Shakib has benefited from this eye treatment.

The Bangladesh cricket team traveled to Pakistan on August 12 to play two matches in the Test Championship. After practicing for a few days in Lahore, the team moved to Islamabad, where they are completing their final preparations in Rawalpindi. During these sessions, Hathurusingha noticed that Shakib appeared fitter and was pleased with the all-rounder's batting.

Despite staying in Islamabad, the Bangladesh team has been practicing in Rawalpindi, where the first Test of the series will begin on August 21. Before the match, Hathurusingha expressed satisfaction with Shakib's form in practice, stating, "Shakib is batting well. He seems fitter than before. I don't know if many people are aware, but he also had his eyes checked, which has helped him manage his issues."

Shakib has been abroad for an extended period. After playing in the T20 World Cup in June, he returned to Bangladesh briefly before traveling to the United States to participate in Major League Cricket (MLC). Following that, he captained the Mississauga Tigers in the Global T20 in Canada. Immediately after the tournament, on August 14, Shakib joined the team in Pakistan.