In the wake of another dismal showing in the Chattogram Test, Bangladesh's all-format captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has voiced his frustration with the top-order batsmen. This latest setback has cast a shadow over his tenure as captain, especially after news emerged that he might be considering stepping down.
BCB president Faruque Ahmed has indicated plans to discuss the matter with Shanto, though the reasons behind Shanto's potential resignation remain unclear. Shanto himself has stated that the pressures of captaincy do not affect his performance.
Bangladesh's recent form has been erratic. They achieved a historic 2-0 series win against Pakistan on home soil, only to suffer crushing defeats in subsequent matches against India and South Africa. These losses, particularly the batting collapses, have likely added to Shanto's burdens. The Chattogram Test, played on a flat pitch conducive to high scores, saw Bangladesh falter badly, highlighting ongoing issues with their top-order batting.
Shanto has acknowledged that these batting failures are not new, stressing the importance of strong top-order partnerships in Test cricket. Despite the setbacks, he maintains that he enjoys the role of captain and does not feel it hampers his batting.
There are indications that Shanto initially wanted to relinquish the T20I captaincy but later considered stepping down from all formats. The BCB is reportedly deliberating whether to persuade him to stay on, though they recognize the difficulty of reversing such a decision once made.
During a recent press conference, Shanto mentioned that he has yet to make a final decision and plans to discuss the matter further with the BCB president. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant developments in the coming days. The BCB president has hinted at the complexities involved, including external influences and personal considerations that might be affecting Shanto's decision. As the Bangladesh cricket enthusiasts watch, the outcome of these discussions will be crucial for Bangladesh's future leadership and performance on the field.
