Is Shanto Set to Be Bangladesh’s Full-Time Captain

In the aftermath of Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand, cricket enthusiasts find themselves contemplating an intriguing question: Is Najmul Hossain Shanto destined to become Bangladesh’s full-time captain? The tour not only showcased the team’s resilience but also brought to light Shanto’s emerging leadership skills, leaving many to ponder if the time has come for a changing of the guard.

The tour, which included three ODIs and three T20Is, saw Bangladesh face off against the formidable New Zealand side. Despite losing the ODI series 2-1, Bangladesh managed to secure their first-ever ODI win against the hosts in New Zealand. The T20I series ended in a draw, with the third and final match grabbing attention for more than just the on-field action.

Chandika Hathurusinghe, the coach, noted a palpable shift in the team dynamics during the New Zealand tour. He refrained from explicitly stating that the absence of senior players had a direct impact, but he did acknowledge that “the environment in the dressing room is much better.” This observation led to speculation about whether the younger squad, without the presence of cricketing stalwarts like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah, performed better as a cohesive unit.

Shoriful Islam, the left-arm seamer, emerged as a consistent performer for Bangladesh in the white-ball formats. However, it was Shanto, leading the team in the absence of Shakib, who drew praise for his proactive approach on the field. Coach Hathurusinghe commended Shanto’s leadership style, emphasizing his tactical acumen and clear communication with the players.

They wanted to compete in the middle,” Hathurusingha remarked after the third T20I. He went on to highlight Shanto’s outstanding leadership, citing his ability to be tactically spot-on and effectively communicate expectations to the team. The coach lauded the team’s improved performance, attributing it to Shanto’s clarity in leadership.

When questioned about whether the absence of senior players contributed to the team’s success, Hathurusingha downplayed the notion. According to the coach, the improved environment in the dressing room stemmed from Shanto’s effective communication and the players’ confidence in their abilities.

Shanto, at 25, is still in the early stages of his tenure as the national captain. While he faced challenges with the bat during the ODIs and T20Is, his leadership qualities shone through. Having led the team primarily in the absence of senior players, the question now arises: Could Shanto be the long-term captain for Bangladesh?

Hathurusingha expressed confidence in Shanto’s captaincy, stating, “Shanto has shown enough evidence for them [Bangladesh selectors] to take him seriously.” While acknowledging that the final decision rests with the cricket board, the coach hinted at the selectors strongly considering Shanto for a more permanent leadership role.

As the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the official word from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the prospect of Shanto steering the ship as the full-time captain seems increasingly likely. The New Zealand tour not only showcased the team’s prowess but also provided a glimpse into the potential leadership era under Najmul Hossain Shanto. Only time will tell if Shanto is indeed set to become Bangladesh’s cricketing helm, ushering in a new chapter in the nation’s cricketing journey.