As Zakir Hasan, playing his 12th Test since debuting in 2022, and Shadman Islam, with 19 Tests since 2018, struggle against South Africa, Bangladesh's spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed suggests these two experienced domestic players are still navigating the demands of international cricket. Mushtaq remarked that despite Bangladesh hosting the Test match, the team faced difficulties, collapsing at 38/4 in response to South Africa’s 575, while the Proteas flourished on the very same pitch.

Mushtaq explained, “Cricket is a funny game. Basics need to be right; it’s essential to read the conditions and situations. Zakir, Shadman—these are young players who are still learning. There’s a lot of room for improvement in such areas.”

Shadman, aged 29, and Zakir, aged 26, may not fit the typical “youngster” profile with over 90 first-class matches each. Saqlain acknowledged that while they have ample domestic experience, adjusting to the temperament of Test cricket can be a different challenge entirely.

He elaborated, “They’re young compared to me. I’m referring to international matches, not first-class cricket. In domestic cricket, you can play 30 to 50 matches, but international cricket is a different arena. There are plenty who have played countless domestic matches but struggled to adapt to the temperament needed at the international level.”