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From Mushfiqur To Shanto, Players With Most Matches As Test Captain For Bangladesh

Akshita Patel

Most Matches As Test Captain For Bangladesh [Source: @ICC, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Most Matches As Test Captain For Bangladesh [Source: @ICC, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Test cricket is the toughest format of the game, and leading a team in Tests is even tougher, particularly for a developing cricket nation like Bangladesh. There have been various players who took part in leading the Tigers in whites over the years.

Some succeeded, some failed, but all contributed to Bangladesh's Test history. The most recent captain to represent the Tigers in the red ball series was Najmul Shanto.

Here's a look at the top 5 players who have captained Bangladesh in the most number of Test matches and their performances.

5. Najmul Hossain Shanto - 14 Matches (2023-2025)

Najmul Hossain Shanto - 14 Matches (2023-2025) [Source: @Ramz_004/X.com]Najmul Hossain Shanto - 14 Matches (2023-2025) [Source: @Ramz_004/X.com]

The latest captain in the list is Najmul Hossain Shanto, who has thus far captained Bangladesh in 14 Test matches, winning 4, losing 9, and drawing 1. His latest win percentage of 28.57% is the highest for all Bangladesh Test captains. Shanto has shown smart leadership and confidence on the field. Nevertheless, as a result of consecutive losses and failure in away conditions, Shanto resigned as Tigers Test captain on June 28, 2025.

4. Mominul Haque - 17 Matches (2019-2022)

Mominul Haque - 17 Matches (2019-2022) [Source: AP]Mominul Haque - 17 Matches (2019-2022) [Source: AP]

Left-handed batter Mominul Haque led Bangladesh in 17 Tests, winning 3, losing 12, and drawing 2. With a win ratio of 17.64%, Mominul's captaincy career was during the transition period of the team. Though results were poor, he attempted to lead by example and exhibited good temperament. Captaincy pressure did take a toll on his batting, and he finally resigned.

3. Habibul Bashar - 18 Matches (2004-2007)

Former captain Habibul Bashar was one of the early leaders for Bangladesh after they got Test status in 2000. He captained the team in 18 Tests, winning only 1 and losing 13, with 4 draws. His win percentage was just 5.55%, but it's important to remember that Bangladesh was still a new Test nation during his time. Bashar’s leadership was crucial in laying the foundation and guiding a young team through tough times.

2. Shakib Al Hasan - 19 Matches (2009-2023)

Shakib Al Hasan - 19 Matches (2009-2023) [Source: @FREEHIT06/X.com]Shakib Al Hasan - 19 Matches (2009-2023) [Source: @FREEHIT06/X.com]

Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has captained Bangladesh in 19 Test matches, starting in 2009. Out of those, Bangladesh won 4 and lost 15. With a win percentage of 21.05%, Shakib’s Test captaincy saw occasional highs, but consistency was missing. Despite the poor overall record, Shakib’s leadership helped inspire younger players and bring some confidence to the squad, especially in overseas tours. 

1. Mushfiqur Rahim – 34 Matches (2011–2017)

Mushfiqur Rahim – 34 Matches (2011–2017) [Source: @ICC/X.com]Mushfiqur Rahim – 34 Matches (2011–2017) [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim holds the record for captaining Bangladesh in the most number of Test matches. Between 2011 and 2017, he led the team in 34 Tests, winning 7, losing 18, and drawing 9. 

Under his leadership, Bangladesh started becoming more competitive at home and slowly improved their Test game. With a win percentage of 20.58%, Mushfiqur showed determination during a challenging period. While his captaincy record may not look great, his efforts in building a fighting unit cannot be ignored.