Bangladesh's veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim will miss the opening Test against the West Indies in Dhaka due to an index finger injury. He sustained the injury during a net session at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Academy, just a day before the series opener at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. While batting, a net bowler's delivery struck his finger, forcing him to leave the session in pain.

Despite initial assessments not indicating a serious injury, Mushfiqur experienced discomfort the following morning, especially when trying to wear his wicketkeeping gloves. An X-ray confirmed no tear, but the medical team decided against risking his participation in the first Test. Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan confirmed it was a contusion and expressed hope for a swift recovery. “Mushfiqur Rahim got hurt on his index finger yesterday. There wasn’t sufficient improvement this morning. It is a contusion. We are hopeful he will recover in three days and be available for the next Test,” Khan stated.

Mushfiqur’s absence creates an opportunity for Towhid Hridoy, who has been named in the playing XI. Hridoy made his Test debut earlier this year against Zimbabwe. This setback comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh, as Mushfiqur remains a key figure in their Test batting line-up, having recently become the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Tests. His return is anticipated for the second Test in Sylhet, beginning November 5th. This series is vital for Bangladesh's 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship aspirations.

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