Najmul Hossain Shanto steps down as Test captain
Najmul Hossain Shanto, Cricfrenzy
Following Bangladesh’s crushing defeat to Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo, Najmul Hossain Shanto has announced his decision to step down as the Test captain.
The decision comes after Bangladesh suffered an innings and 78-run loss, which saw them concede the two-match Test series 1-0.
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"This is not personal. I have taken the decision for the betterment of the team. I think this will help the team. I have been a part of the dressing room for the past few teams. I think three captains [for the three international formats] is not sensible. I don't know what the board will feel about this, and I will support their decision. But this is my personal decision. I think three separate captains will be difficult for the team to deal with." Shanto said in the press meet.
Najmul Hossain Shanto captained Bangladesh in 14 Test matches, taking over the role ahead of the home series against New Zealand in November 2023.
Under his leadership, Bangladesh managed to win four Tests, including a historic two consecutive victories in Pakistan in August 2024. However, the team also suffered nine defeats, with only the first Test against Sri Lanka ending in a draw.
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Individually, Shanto performed well with the bat during his captaincy stint, averaging 36.24, compared to 29.83 when not leading the side. In the four Tests that Bangladesh won under his captaincy, he averaged 37.16, indicating his consistent contribution in victories.
Earlier this month, Shanto was also replaced as ODI captain, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking over the reins in the 50-over format.
