Cricket News

As new era dawns for Bangladesh cricket, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto hopes for Test progress, white-ball trophy

Tomorrow marks a historic day for Bangladesh cricket as Najmul Hossain Shanto will take the field for the first time as their full-time captain across all formats. This signifies the beginning of the “Shanto Era”, a new chapter in the country’s cricketing journey.

Shanto, appointed due to uncertainties surrounding regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, previously led Bangladesh in 11 matches across formats, including two World Cup encounters. While navigating the captaincy alongside his batting form will be a challenge, Shanto’s leadership will be closely watched as he strives to establish his legacy as a skipper. With a crucial series against Sri Lanka starting tomorrow, all eyes will be on Shanto as he leads his troops into a new era of Bangladeshi cricket.

Ahead of his debut as full-time captain across all formats, Shanto acknowledged the challenges but believed that leading in all formats would allow him to understand each player better and strategize more effectively. While expressing hope for positive outcomes, he recognized the responsibility that comes with the role. “I know it is challenging but for planning it will be easier. I have to know about every cricketer though we stay together and play together but to do the planning it will be easier as I am in charge of three formats. I hope something good will happen,” he said.

“When we are going abroad…”- Najmul Hossain Shanto

Shanto acknowledged the side’s moderate progress in Test cricket, emphasizing the importance of winning home matches and competing abroad. He highlighted Bangladesh’s success in ODIs but shed light on the need for a winning strategy in major tournaments, aiming to secure a trophy for the nation.

“I don’t think we have improved a lot in Test cricket but we are playing better than before and what I want personally is that when we are playing at home we can win those matches. When we are going abroad we should be able to compete. In ODIs, we are doing good but as a team, we are yet to win a big tournament,” the 25-year-old said.

As Najmul Hossain Shanto prepares to lead Bangladesh cricket into a new era, his words reflect a mix of cautious optimism and clear ambition. It remains to be seen if he can lead what has been a stagnant side to some degree of success.