'I think I'm ready': Bangladesh's emerging star eager to take up captaincy after World Cup exit

After a disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, the Bangladesh cricket team is poised for significant changes in their setup. Led by Shakib Al Hasan, the team faced a challenging campaign, losing seven out of nine games in the group stage and experiencing an embarrassing exit from the competition. The poor showing has prompted speculation about potential alterations and restructuring within the team by the BCB.

3 things you need to know

• After Bangladesh's poor show at the ODI World Cup 2023, Shakib Al Hasan is expected to step down
• Najmul Hossain Shanto may see himself being promoted as the captain of the team
• Shanto has opened up on the possibility of becoming Bangladesh's captain

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Najmul Hossain Shanto on captaincy 

Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his readiness to assume the role of Bangladesh's permanent captain if the decision is made in his favor. Shanto made these remarks after leading the Tigers in their final match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where they suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Australia on Saturday.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, who also captained Bangladesh against India earlier in the tournament, conveyed his preparedness to step up if the selectors believe he is the right choice for the position.

“I've been in this role for a while now, and personally, I think I'm ready. If I get the opportunity, definitely, I'm ready to fulfill the responsibilities perfectly,” Shanto said after the match in Pune.

Throughout the tournament, Bangladesh was captained by Shakib Al Hasan. However, the veteran all-rounder has indicated that he is unlikely to continue playing for the team beyond the 2025 Champions Trophy and admitted that he initially accepted the captaincy reluctantly earlier this year.

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In the event that Shakib Al Hasan does not continue as the team’s leader, Najmul Hossain Shanto believes that the experience gained during his first ODI World Cup will be valuable and will help him in his endeavour as a potential captain in the future. Shanto captained the Bangladesh team in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who pulled himself out of their last league-stage match due to injury concerns.