Despite being the top scorer in the series, Shanto resigns, citing leadership burden and team interest.
New Delhi: Najmul Hossain Shanto has resigned as Bangladesh’s Test captain following the team’s humiliating innings-and-78-run defeat against Sri Lanka in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. With this loss, Bangladesh also conceded the two-match Test series 2-0.
Despite being Bangladesh’s standout performer in the series—scoring 300 runs at an average of 100, including back-to-back centuries in the first Test—Shanto chose to relinquish leadership responsibilities immediately after the team’s poor showing on Day 4 in Colombo. The decision came on the heels of a dramatic batting collapse, triggered by Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who claimed a five-wicket haul to dismantle Bangladesh’s lower order.
Announcing his decision after the match, Shanto said,
“I don’t want to continue [as captain] in the Test format anymore. This is not personal. I have made the decision for the betterment of the team. I think three captains for three formats is not sensible. I will support whatever the board decides, but this is my personal call.”
He emphasized that the decision was made with the team’s interest in mind and not out of frustration or disappointment.
“I want to make it clear—this is not an emotional decision. I’ve been part of the dressing room for years, and I believe a more streamlined leadership approach will benefit the team,” he added.
Shanto had reportedly conveyed his decision to resign to the cricket operations department of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) a few days ago. Interestingly, he was also replaced as captain of the ODI side earlier this month by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Seated in 2023, Shanto captained Bangladesh in 14 Tests, which Bangladesh won four and lost nine. His departure creates a leadership void in the longest form, and eyes are now on the BCB as it seeks possible candidates to fill the vacuum.
Bangladesh, with this decision, is now challenged with having to rebuild its red-ball leadership plan as it seeks to recover from a series of poor performances.
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