Najmul Hossain Shanto reinstated as Bangladesh Test captain: Details here
What's the story
Najmul Hossain Shanto has been reinstated as the captain of Bangladesh's Test cricket team for the remainder of the ongoing 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The decision comes from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which confirmed his reinstatement ahead of a two-match Test series against Ireland starting November 11 in Sylhet. Here are further details on the same.
Captaincy changes
Shanto's earlier resignation and concerns about multiple captains
Shanto, 27, had previously resigned as the Test captain after Bangladesh's 1-0 series loss to Sri Lanka in June. He had suggested that "three separate captains will be difficult for the team to deal with." Earlier this year, he had also stepped down from his T20I duties and was subsequently removed from ODI captaincy. However, BCB has now decided to reinstate him as Test skipper.
Future outlook
What has Shanto said after being reinstated as captain?
"I feel truly honoured to continue leading the Bangladesh Test team and I am very grateful to the Board for the faith and trust they have shown in my captaincy," Shanto was quoted via a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) press release. "Captaining my country in Test cricket is the greatest pride of my life. I will do my utmost to repay the responsibility that has been entrusted to me," he added,
Leadership impact
Shanto's captaincy record and BCB president's praise
Since taking over as captain in 2023, Shanto has led Bangladesh in 14 Tests, winning four, losing nine, and drawing one. His captaincy highlight was a historic 2-0 series win in Pakistan in August 2024. BCB president Aminul Islam praised Shanto for his composure and commitment to Test cricket, saying "under his leadership, we have seen growth and belief in the team."
Test performance
Bangladesh's performance in ongoing WTC cycle
In the ongoing WTC cycle, Bangladesh are yet to register a win, having lost one and drawn another Test against Sri Lanka. They are currently seventh on the points table with four points from two matches. Notably, the upcoming Tests against Ireland aren't part of this championship cycle.