Picture Credit: X
Days after rumours hit the roof of Najmul Hossain Shanto unlikely to continue as Test captain, on Saturday, June 28, Bangladesh’s red-ball captain finally put it to rest as he announced his decision post Sri Lanka’s 1-0 Test series win. The two-match Test series finally came to a close of on Saturday after Bangladesh were handed a defeat by an innings and 78 runs in Colombo.
Addressing the post-match press conference after their defeat, Shanto began, "I have an announcement to make.” After a brief pause, he continued announcing his decision to step down as Test captain. “I am stepping down from the Bangladesh Test captaincy. I don't want to continue as captain in this format, and I want to give a clear message to everyone: this is not a personal matter. It is entirely for the betterment of the team, and I believe this will help the team," he added, while clarifying his stance.
I don’t feel it is logical to have three captains for three formats: Najmul Hossain Shanto
Shanto, who has been brilliant with the bat, shared his stance on his resignation as Bangladesh Test captain, adding that he doesn’t feel the need to have three captains for all three formats. "Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to be in this dressing room, and I don't feel it is logical to have three captains for three formats. This is completely my personal opinion. The cricket board might think otherwise, and I fully respect that. In my view, having three captains will be difficult for the team. So, for the betterment of the team, I am stepping down," he explained.
He also clarified that his decision came just as a betterment of the team and did not had anything to do with his past experience. The 26-year-old also added that he had informed of his decision to the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) Cricket Operations department “a few days back”.
Speaking of his stint at the helm, Shanto led the Bangla Tigers in 14 Tests after having taken charge prior to the home series against New Zealand in 2023. The side won four Tests under his leadership, including the two in two against Pakistan last year, while lost nine of them. As captain, Shanto had a decent run, averaging 36.24.
