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'I Have The Ability..' - Shanto Hopeful Of Becoming Bangladesh's Next Full-Time Captain

image-lpgkiztnNajmul Hossain Shanto (Twitter)

Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed great confidence and eagerness to lead Bangladesh across formats in what is a transition phase for the Bangla Tigers following the ICC World Cup 2023 setback, finishing ninth in the ten-team competition with just two wins. 

With veteran opener Tamim Iqbal announcing his retirement before the tournament in India and doubts emerging on the futures and longevity of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, the rising young opener has emerged as the likely next leader after being appointed in stand-in capacity for the two-match home Test series against New Zealand.

Since stalwart wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur is unlikely to return to the captaincy and injured premier allrounder Shakib has always been reluctant to play Tests and lead, Shanto could be the frontrunner to replace him as the full-time all-format leader as Bangladesh approach the new four-year cycle.

Shanto Eager To Lead Bangladesh Across Formats 

Speaking to the press ahead of the opening Test of the two-match series versus the BlackCaps in Sylhet from November 28, Shanto said he is personally convinced of his leadership acumen and believes he is the right man to take over the mantle.

"Personally, I feel that I have the ability to lead the team in all formats," he said. "Whoever becomes the captain, if he is given a long tenure then it would be easier for him to make plans. Whoever is named the captain, I believe that if he gets enough opportunities he can achieve something great."

Shanto kept a pragmatic outlook and insisted his team's spin-oriented bowling attack inspires belief they can retain a wood over opposition teams in home conditions. 

"We will be playing 14 Tests, two this year and 12 in the next one. These matches are really important to us, especially, the home matches," he added. "It's really important for us to figure out how we can win these matches. As a team, this is our first goal. We all also have a goal to compete in matches away from home."

The Test match in Sylhet will also open Bangladesh's campaign in the latest cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) spanning 2023-25 with 14 Tests scheduled in their itinerary. The Bangla Tigers, who have registered just a solitary win across the last two cycles of the WTC, will be taking on New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka at home and travel to India, Pakistan and West Indies.