Hathurusinghe want Shanto be a full-time captaincy
2023.12.31
The head coach claims that since Shanto took over, “the environment in the dressing room is much better.”
Without some of the more seasoned and even legendary players there, is the Bangladeshi team’s locker room a better place? Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe did not say as much at the conclusion of what he dubbed a “successful tour” of New Zealand, but she did state that “the environment in the dressing room is much better”.
Following a draw in their home Test series, Bangladesh traveled to New Zealand to play three ODIs and three T20Is. The ODI series was won by New Zealand 2-1, however Bangladesh’s victory in the third ODI was the team’s first-ever victory over the hosts in the format. The T20I series ended in a 1-1 draw.
The left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam was perhaps Bangladesh’s most consistently outstanding player in the white-ball matches, while Najmul Hossain Shanto, who took over as captain of the team in lieu of Shakib Al Hasan, showed initiative on the field and received plaudits from his coach.
“The players’ mentality was fearless; they were a youthful group. Following the third T20I, Hathurusingha stated, “They wanted to compete in the middle.” “The other thing is Shanto’s leadership. Excellent. He communicated with the players exactly what he expected of them, and he was right on tactically. And I believed that we spent more time than usual on the fundamentals.”
In answer to a query on the reasons for Bangladesh’s better-than-expected performance, it was raised if a younger team—one that lacked players like Shakib, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah—performed better.
Hathurusingha remarked, “These guys’ attitude has nothing to do with seniors not [being] here.” They take pleasure in playing cricket, and as I mentioned before, I believe that Shanto’s straightforward communication has greatly improved the atmosphere in the dressing room. They also understand that they are skilled enough to compete. The athletes don’t feel afraid because of this.”
Throughout the ODIs and T20Is, Shanto—who is only 25 years old and still in his form as the national captain—did not perform at his best with the bat. His lone meaningful contribution came in the last ODI, when he was bowled out for 51 runs in 42 balls during a 99-ball chase. However, his poise as skipper impressed. He has only served as a sort of stand-by leader thus far, taking over only when the more experienced guys are absent. Could things, however, alter at this point?
Hathurusingha stated, “I think they [the Bangladesh selectors] will strongly think about that.” “Of course, it’s a board decision, but Shanto has shown enough evidence for them to take him seriously.”
@sportzlanka
