Mushfiqur Rahim hand injury clouds Bangladesh's Test XI vs West Indies
Synopsis
Mushfiqur Rahim's hand injury — sustained just a day before Bangladesh's first Test against West Indies in Mirpur — threatens to disrupt the hosts' batting and keeping plans at a critical point in the ICC World Test Championship cycle. With Litton Das also managing a hip issue, Bangladesh could go into one of their most important home series with two senior players under a fitness cloud.
Key Takeaways
Mushfiqur Rahim reportedly suffered a hand injury during net practice in Mirpur on 27 October , a day before the first Test against West Indies .
He received ice treatment at the ground; the severity of the injury has not yet been confirmed.
The first Test runs from 28 October to 1 November at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur ; the second from 5–9 November in Sylhet .
Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed has returned to the squad after missing the Afghanistan Test in October.
Litton Das is also managing a hip injury, leaving Bangladesh potentially short of two senior players simultaneously.
Bangladesh currently sit fourth in the ICC World Test Championship standings and are targeting the 2027 WTC final .
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim is reportedly doubtful for the opening Bangladesh vs West Indies Test after sustaining a hand injury during a net session in Mirpur on Tuesday, 27 October. The injury, first reported by The Daily Star, raises a selection concern for Bangladesh just a day before the series opener at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
What Happened at Training
Mushfiqur was struck on the hand while batting in the nets as Bangladesh conducted their pre-match preparations. He received immediate ice treatment at the ground before being excused from the remainder of the session. According to reports, the full severity of the injury has not yet been determined, and the team management is awaiting a clearer assessment before finalising the playing XI.
What Is at Stake for Bangladesh
The two-match series forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with both sides chasing crucial points. Bangladesh currently sit fourth in the WTC standings and are targeting a strong home performance as they pursue qualification for the 2027 World Test Championship final. A disrupted team combination at this stage is therefore a significant concern for the management of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Squad News: Taskin Returns, Litton Monitored
Bangladesh have received a timely boost with the return of pace bowler Taskin Ahmed, who missed the one-off Test against Afghanistan earlier in October. His presence reinforces a pace attack that will be crucial on the Mirpur surface. However, experienced batter Litton Das, also named in the 15-member squad, has been managing a hip injury of his own — meaning Bangladesh could potentially face fitness concerns around two senior players simultaneously. Notably, this is not the first time injury management has complicated Bangladesh's build-up to a key WTC fixture.
Series Schedule
The first Test runs from 28 October to 1 November at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur. The second match is scheduled from 5 to 9 November in Sylhet. Bangladesh will be hoping to receive a definitive update on Mushfiqur's fitness before the toss on Wednesday morning.
Bangladesh's full squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed, Jaker Ali Anik, Litton Das, Mominul Haque, Nayeem Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Tawhid Hridoy, Shadman Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim.
With his availability uncertain, Bangladesh's team management faces a pressing decision on an alternative keeping arrangement — one that could reshape their batting order going into a pivotal WTC assignment.
Point of View
Bangladesh face the uncomfortable possibility of fielding a depleted top order in a series that directly shapes their 2027 WTC final prospects. Taskin Ahmed's return adds firepower, but no amount of pace reinforcement compensates for losing a wicketkeeper-batter of Mushfiqur's calibre without a like-for-like alternative in the squad. Bangladesh's WTC ambitions rest on converting home conditions into results — and injury disruptions at this level are a luxury they cannot afford.
NationPress
27 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Mushfiqur Rahim sustain?
Mushfiqur Rahim reportedly sustained a hand injury after being struck during a Bangladesh net session in Mirpur on 27 October. He received ice treatment at the ground, but the extent of the injury has not yet been officially confirmed.
Will Mushfiqur Rahim play in the first Test against West Indies?
His availability is uncertain as of 27 October. Bangladesh's team management is awaiting a full assessment of the injury before confirming the playing XI for the Test starting on 28 October at Mirpur.
When and where is the Bangladesh vs West Indies first Test?
The first Test is scheduled from 28 October to 1 November at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The second Test follows from 5 to 9 November in Sylhet.
Why does this series matter for Bangladesh's WTC standing?
Bangladesh currently occupy fourth place in the ICC World Test Championship standings and are aiming to qualify for the 2027 WTC final. A strong home series result against West Indies would significantly bolster their points tally.
Which other Bangladesh players are carrying injuries?
Litton Das, a senior batter in the 15-member squad, has been managing a hip injury ahead of the series. His fitness, alongside Mushfiqur's hand concern, is being monitored by the team management.
