Najmul Hossain Shanto has resigned from Test captaincy after the defeat in the Test series against Sri Lanka. Shanto was previously the captain of the T20 and ODI team. In October, Shanto had expressed his reluctance to become captain in all formats.
But after the end of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, he has decided to leave the captaincy of the Test team as well. The first match was a draw. While in the second Test match, India had to face defeat by an innings and 78 runs. Shanto said, “I don’t want to continue [as captain] in the Test format anymore.”
“This is not personal. I have taken the decision for the betterment of the team,” Shanto said. “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.
“I would want that no one feels this decision is emotional, or that I am disappointed by something. I want to make this clear. This is for the betterment of the team.
Shanto Bangladesh Test captaincy Stats
Shanto has led Bangladesh in 14 Tests, having taken charge in November 2023 ahead of the home series against New Zealand. He led the team to four Test wins under his captaincy. Shanto has performed well with the bat during his captaincy, averaging 36.24.
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Cricket Career
Shanto has had a stellar cricket career for the Bangladesh national cricket team. He has led the team to victory on many occasions with his batting.
| Format | M | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 50 | 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 37 | 2189 | 163 | 32.19 | 52.65 | 5 | 7 |
| ODI | 49 | 1565 | 122 | 34.78 | 79.33 | 10 | 3 |
| T20 | 50 | 987 | 71 | 22.95 | 109.07 | 4 | 0 |
| IPL | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |