As Shakib Al Hasan approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has identified Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the key player poised to step up when the veteran all-rounder eventually retires. Shakib, now 37, is expected to hang up his ODI boots after the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year, marking the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket.

Hathurusinghe praised Shakib's immense contributions, highlighting his crucial role in providing balance to the team with his all-round abilities.

"Shakib [has] always played a huge part in Bangladesh cricket whenever he is available and playing well. I mean, obviously, he gives us the luxury to balance the team the way we want, whether we want to play extra bowlers or extra batsmen because of his all-round capabilities. So he gives that adaptability as well as a huge experience." Hathurusinghe said.

"He is probably one of the longest international players going around, and then he is coming from playing countless matches, and he is in good shape. So he brings a lot into the team, not only his skill set but otherwise as well," he added.

With Shakib nearing retirement, Hathurusinghe expressed confidence in Miraz’s readiness to fill the void. 

"And, Miraz, I would say he is the most improved Bangladesh cricketer for the last five to six years. He is ready to take over whenever Shakib moves out. I think he has developed his batting, and obviously his bowling has always been his strength, his No.1. Now I think he has improved his batting as well, and on the field, he is a gun fielder," he said.

Miraz demonstrated his prowess during Bangladesh’s historic Test series win over Pakistan, where he scored 155 runs at an average of 77.50 and was the series' leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at 18.60.

Looking ahead, Bangladesh faces a significant challenge in their upcoming Test series against India, particularly from the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. To counter this, Hathurusinghe is banking on veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who has been rigorously practicing against off-spinners. 

"I think Mushfiq actually mentioned to me his record on the way to India in the flight. He said, I average 55 coach, you forget about that. He is a phenomenal player, and for a long time, the way he prepared, I haven't seen anyone prepare that much detail-wise. So the one I haven't seen is probably Sachin Tendulkar...something like that. Close to all the reports that I have read about him. Mushfiq is like that. He is just a professional, a thorough professional when it comes to cricket," he concluded.

The two-match Test series between Bangladesh and India will commence on Thursday at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, with the second Test set to begin on September 27 in Kanpur.