Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan joins the Bangladesh cricket team in Chennai on Tuesday night, as they prepare for their much-anticipated Test series against India. Shakib will be part of the team’s practice session today at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, where he will get into the groove ahead of the first Test, starting on September 19.

The Bangladesh team has been in Chennai since September 15 and has completed two days of practice without Shakib, who faced a delay in obtaining his visa for India. The team management worked around the issue and managed to secure Shakib's visa through the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Najmul Hossain Shanto and his teammates have been practicing at the nets adjacent to the stadium.

Shakib's arrival adds a major boost to the Bangladesh squad, particularly with his recent form in county cricket. Though his batting performance was less impressive, scoring just 12 and 0 in his last match for Surrey, Shakib made a significant impact with the ball. He picked up 4 wickets for 97 runs in the first innings and followed up with a 5-wicket haul in the second, conceding 96 runs. His bowling could be crucial in the upcoming series against India, known for their batting depth.

The two-Test series will begin in Chennai, followed by the second Test in Kanpur on September 27. The teams will then face off in three T20 matches, scheduled for October 6, 9, and 12.