Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has stepped down from his leadership role in the longest format of the game, days after his side suffered a heavy innings defeat against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Shanto, who had been at the helm since November 2023, announced his decision at the post-match press conference after Bangladesh lost the second and final Test by an innings and 78 runs, conceding the two-match series 1-0. The opening Test had ended in a draw, during which the left-hander impressed with twin centuries.
Speaking to reporters, Shanto emphasised that the decision was not emotionally driven, but rather taken in the interest of the team’s future. “I don’t want to continue in the Test format anymore,” he said. “This is not personal. I have taken the decision for the betterment of the team.”
The 25-year-old also questioned the practicality of having three different captains for the three international formats. “I think three captains are 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,” he added.
Shanto clarified that he had already informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) cricket operations department of his intentions “some days back”. The BCB, however, has yet to make a formal statement regarding his resignation or announce a potential successor.
His resignation from the Test captaincy comes shortly after he was replaced as Bangladesh's ODI captain earlier this month, with all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking over that role.
Shanto’s captaincy tenure began during the home series against New Zealand in late 2023. Under his leadership, Bangladesh played 14 Tests, winning four—including two historic away victories against Pakistan in August 2024—losing nine and drawing one.
Despite inconsistent results, Shanto had remained a key figure in the dressing room and was widely considered a player with potential to lead the side in the longer term. However, the latest setback in Sri Lanka appears to have prompted a strategic rethink both for the player and the team.
