Bangladesh’s star batter, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has decided to relinquish his captaincy duties across all formats after the ongoing Test series against South Africa. According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, Shanto has already conveyed his decision to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The move comes in the wake of Bangladesh’s seven-wicket defeat against South Africa in Dhaka, which marked a disappointing performance for the side. The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to take place from October 29 to November 2.
Following the conclusion of the Test series, Bangladesh will head to the UAE for a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, ending on November 11. After that, the team will embark on a tour of the West Indies, where they will compete in an all-format series. With Shanto stepping down, the BCB must find a new leader to take charge of the team
3 players who can captain Bangladesh after Najmul Hossain Shanto’s withdrawal as a skipper
1. Litton Das: The seasoned campaigner
Litton Das is a seasoned cricketer who has experience leading the Bangladesh team on previous occasions. Known for his ability to handle pressure, Litton has been a consistent performer for the team across formats. His calm demeanor and solid batting technique make him an ideal candidate to take over the leadership mantle. Given his experience, Litton can guide the team through challenging situations, making strategic decisions both on and off the field. He has earned the respect of his teammates, which could help him lead the side effectively, especially during the transition period after Shanto’s exit.
2. Taijul Islam: The experienced spinner ready for leadership
Taijul Islam, a veteran left-arm spinner, has been an integral part of Bangladesh’s bowling attack for years. Recently, Taijul has expressed his interest in stepping into the leadership role. During a media interaction at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, he shared his readiness to take on the responsibility, stating, “Having played for 10 years, I’m fully prepared for captaincy.” While he mentioned he was not fully informed about Shanto’s decision to step down, his willingness to lead shows his commitment to the team’s success. Taijul’s vast experience and deep understanding of Bangladesh cricket dynamics could make him a valuable leader for the team, especially in guiding younger players.
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3. Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The dynamic all-rounder
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is another strong contender for the captaincy role. As a star all-rounder, he has proven to be a genuine match-winner for Bangladesh, delivering critical performances with both bat and ball. Mehidy’s leadership skills were on display when he captained Bangladesh in the U19 World Cup 2014, and he remains a popular figure in the squad. His ability to motivate and inspire his teammates, coupled with his strategic mindset, could make him an effective leader. With international experience and a winning attitude, Mehidy could steer the Bangladesh team towards future success, especially in the upcoming tours and competitions.