2024-02-14 03:06:05
Today’s morning must be different Nazmul Hossain calm. The dream that he had been waiting for from age-based cricket has been fulfilled. After fulfilling his dream of playing in the national team, he only had the challenge of leading the national team. He also performed that duty as co-captain. However, as a full-time captain, his duties have matured on Monday. His eyes are filled with the joy of fulfilling his dream.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hasan Papon announced the name of Shanta as the captain of Bangladesh for 2024. Shant has been given responsibility for all three formats. Shanta himself may not understand how big the responsibility is! Because Shakib Al Hasan, the biggest cricket star of the country, has to play under him in the national team. Shakib played international cricket under the leadership of Habibul Bashar Suman, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das.
Shanto is going to be Shakib’s captain now. In his absence, Shant has captained earlier. It is only a preventive measure. When Shanta stands ahead against Sri Lanka, the whole of Bangladesh is behind him. Shant was prepared to receive and handle this responsibility. Shanta was asked about the leadership after the 2023 World Cup. On the World Cup stage in Pune, Shanto said bluntly, ‘I have been doing it (captainship) for several days. I personally feel like I’m ready. Be prepared to do well if the opportunity arises.’
Shanto’s preparedness was evident in the New Zealand series at home after the World Cup. Where he captained in white. He scored a century himself. He won the team. Shanta’s announcement before entering the field was, ‘We can win these two matches. I will play to win. Everyone has this belief.’
After five days of intense fighting, the Bangladesh dressing room rang, ‘We will win.’ The captain was the embodiment of Test victory. So after the match, the captain said to the packed majlish, ‘I was very clear (about winning). I didn’t ask to motivate anyone. I meant it.’
Just a Test win, Shanta led Bangladesh in colorful outfits also won the fort against the hosts. Bangladesh have never won ODIs and T20Is against New Zealand at their home ground. Shanto and Co. have tasted that elusive victory. That is why Shant is praised everywhere. He has shown maturity in field cricket. Siddhahaste has handled the responsibility outside the field as well. That’s why in Monday’s BCB Board of Directors meeting Shantar’s ballot got more votes in the captaincy election.
Because BCB’s best choice was to stay calm. Reports in the media that Shakib was being considered by the BCB president are completely wrong. “After the World Cup, I will not be the captain even for a day.” – Shakib’s speech was not taken well by anyone. That is why the policy makers choose peace in thinking about the future.
Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe also said that Shanth is considered as the captain in the long-term plan for the future of cricket. After the New Zealand series, Hathurusinghe said, ‘I think they (BCB) will think very well (long term). Of course it is the board’s decision. But Shanta has proved enough to warrant serious consideration.’
Bangladesh will play a record 14 Tests in 2024. There are Tests against Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zimbabwe, West Indies and Afghanistan. There is also the T20 World Cup. Shanta faces a lot of challenges. But his readiness is evident in his confidence.
Shanta’s thoughts and philosophy in captaincy are also quite clear, ‘First of all I am not too worried about winning and losing as a captain. The thing that I try to do myself and ask from the players in the team is whether the process is followed and whether the players have that drive or not. Are the players giving 100 percent or not?
The time for Bangladesh’s change in cricket has come. Apart from Shakib, the remaining three Tamim, Mushfiq, Mahmudullah have all said goodbye to some format. Shakib just isn’t sure what to do so far. The rest have almost written their own epitaphs. New leadership, new players, new environment to be arranged in all three formats. Shanta is enjoying the challenge. It goes without saying that he will also have to give time to organize the team. It takes time to break down and build something new. That’s why you have to be patient.