Najmul Hossain Shanto Steps Down As Test Skipper After The Completion Of Bangladesh's Two-Match Test Series Against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) problems refuse to die down anytime soon. The team's performance on the field has been shambolic, but as far as the workings of the Board are concerned, they have also contributed to the team's downfall over a period of time. Bangladesh recently played a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, but the results were on the expected lines. Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 1-0 and started their World Test Championship (WTC) 2027 cycle on a winning note.

Najmul Hossain Shanto Steps Down As Test Skipper

The first Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test match ended in a draw. Whereas in the second Test match, Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by an innings and 78 runs. Earlier this month, Shanto was replaced as the skipper of Bangladesh's One Day International (ODI) team by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

"This decision has been taken for the betterment of the team, and it is not personal. Three captains for three formats is not sensible, and I have been a part of this dressing room for the past few years. I would want that no one feels this decision is emotional or that I am disappointed by something. I want to make this clear. This is for the betterment of the team," said Shanto.

The former Bangladesh Test skipper said that he had informed the Board's cricket operation department a few days back. Shanto has repeatedly reiterated the fact that this was not an emotional decision and he has taken the step for the betterment of the side. After Bangladesh's dismal show against Sri Lanka, the team is in dire need to turn things around in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2027 cycle.

ALSO READ | 'Even Ben Stokes Is Admiring': Michael Vaughan Makes Massive Admission Regarding Rishabh Pant As India's Vice Captain Overtakes MS Dhoni In Centuries

Najmul Hossain's Test Career So Far In Numbers

The star Bangladesh batter has led the team in 14 matches. Bangladesh ended up winning only four games under him and lost nine. Shanto excelled as a batter during his tenure as the Test skipper. As the captain of the Test team, Shanto averaged 36.24 as compared to 29.83 when he wasn't leading the team. Shanto has played 37 matches so far and has scored 2189 runs at an average of 32.19.

ALSO READ | 'Something Against This Team?' Daren Sammy Raises Pertinent Question on Umpires After Shai Hope's Catch Stirs Controversy