IND vs BAN | Shakib's absence added motivation not handicap, says Mahmudullah Riyad

Bangladesh team has arrived in India for their T20 and Test series without their star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has been banned for two years with a one-year suspension for not reporting three bookie approaches. Newly-appointed captain Mahmudullah feels that this absence of Shakib will give motivation to the team to do well and will be an opportunity for some newcomer to establish his place in the Bangladesh side.

"We have to play with our heart for the country," Mahmudullah was quoted as saying by the ESPN Cricinfo.

"I think this (Shakib's absence) will work as motivation for us. I think there's no greater honour than playing for the country. The responsibility to lead the side lies with me, so I will try to give it my all," he added.

Mahmudullah knows that India is a tough side to beat at home. But he also believes that he has seniors like Mushfiqur Rahim to turn to for advice. He feels that the experience they would get by playing against a top-quality side like India would be valuable for some of the youngsters in the squad.

"The statistics don't lie. It is a tough ask, but it is not impossible. We have to perform as a team, and ensure we take advantage of every opportunity," he said.

Former skipper Mushfiqur Rahim also commented on the absence of Shakib.

"Definitely, I will miss him (Shakib), since we have played together for so long," Mushfiqur said.

"It is tough to play without him as he is the No. 1 player. If someone was injured for a year, which could have been anyone, then it would have been an opening for the younger players. It is a challenge to beat India in their home turf but a challenge also means an opportunity," he concluded.

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