Bangladesh's Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against the West Indies due to a Grade II groin strain. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has named Shahadat Hossain Dipu as Shanto’s replacement for the two-Test series, starting later this month.

Shanto, who sustained the injury while fielding in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah, was unable to play in the final ODI on November 11. An MRI scan revealed the severity of the injury, which will require rest and rehabilitation. BCB’s Senior Physician, Dr. Debashis Chowdhury, shared that Shanto’s injury will take at least two weeks of recovery.

As Shanto is undergoing recovery phase currently, the 22-year-old Shahadat Hossain Dipu steps in to join the Test squad. Known for his strong domestic record with the Chattogram Division, Dipu has impressed selectors with his consistency and skill, marking his entry into the international Test squad as he looks to fill the void left by Shanto’s absence.

Bangladesh’s upcoming fixtures include a highly anticipated two-Test series against Afghanistan, set to begin on November 22, followed by the second Test on November 30. This series, combined with the West Indies tour, presents a valuable opportunity for the Bangladesh Test squad to showcase emerging talent like Dipu and build momentum despite the setback of losing Shanto.