Najmul Hossain Shanto Steps Down as Bangladesh’s Test Captain After Sri Lanka Series Defeat

Following Bangladesh's 1-0 Test series loss to Sri Lanka, Najmul Hossain Shanto has stepped down as the national team's red-ball captain. The decision came in the aftermath of Bangladesh's innings and 78-run defeat in the second Test in Colombo.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Shanto clarified that his decision to relinquish the Test captaincy wasn't driven by emotion or disappointment, but by what he believes is in the best interest of the team going forward.

"I don't want to continue as captain in the Test format anymore," Shanto said.

"This is not personal. I have taken the decision for the betterment of the team. I think this will help the team. I have been part of the dressing room for the past few years. I think three captains for the three international formats is not sensible. I don't know what the board will feel about this, and I will support their decision. But this is my personal decision. I think three separate captains will be difficult for the team to deal with."

He stressed that the call wasn't made in haste or in response to the recent defeat, adding:
"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."

Shanto also mentioned that the Bangladesh Cricket Board's operations wing had been made aware of his intention a few days before the Colombo Test.

Earlier this month, Shanto had already been relieved of ODI captaincy duties, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking over the 50-over format leadership. His latest move could now pave the way for a fresh structure across all three formats for Bangladesh.

Appointed as Test captain in November 2023 during the home series against New Zealand, Shanto led Bangladesh in 14 matches, with the team winning four, including two historic victories away in Pakistan in August 2024. Under his leadership, Bangladesh also lost nine Tests and drew one.

Despite inconsistent team performances, Shanto's individual stats as captain showed improvement. He averaged 36.24 with the bat while leading the side, compared to 29.83 when not captain. In the matches Bangladesh won under his leadership, he maintained an average of 37.16.