“That’s a brave question, Masha Allah!” Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto responded with a blend of surprise and admiration when probed about the mounting pressure of carrying an out-of-form Shakib Al Hasan in the Test team.
Shakib Al Hasan, regarded as one of Bangladesh’s cricketing legends, found himself under intense scrutiny following a series of performances that left fans and pundits questioning his fitness and form. The chatter began after the series opener, where Shakib’s lackluster display raised eyebrows and doubts about his capability to thrive in the grueling format of five-day cricket, especially considering his age and wear-and-tear from years of competitive play.
The conversation around Shakib’s form reached a crescendo when he failed to take a single wicket in 21 overs while bowling in the first Test. Additionally, his batting scores of 32 and 25 were far below expectations, with both innings lacking the dominance typically associated with him. His visible struggle was further highlighted when he was spotted chewing his helmet strap, stirring speculation and concern among cricket fans. David Hemp, Bangladesh’s batting coach, later clarified the incident to Cricbuzz, emphasizing that Shakib was dealing with a finger injury which limited his effectiveness.
Despite the growing concerns and questions about Shakib’s fitness, Najmul Hossain remained unwavering in his support for his senior teammate. Addressing reporters post-match, Najmul shed light on his perspective as a captain. “As a captain, honestly, I look at how much hard work a player is putting into his game,” he articulated. “Whether he is struggling enough to make a comeback, for me, what is important is the player’s intention towards the team and how much he is willing to give.”
Najmul’s defense extended to Shakib’s overall contribution and the commitment he brings to the team. “I try to look at everyone in the same way, whether it is Nahid Rana or Mushfiq bhai. More than whether he is scoring runs or not, I analyze their preparation and their thinking about the team,” he emphasized. This assertion symbolizes Najmul’s belief in shoring up camaraderie and unity within the squad, placing a premium on effort and intent over mere statistical contributions.
Najmul elucidated his decision-making process in the first innings, mentioning that he didn’t feel the immediate need to introduce Shakib into the attack early on. “The three pace bowlers were performing well, and Miraz was also effective. It was my plan to keep the fast bowlers on for a longer period. We managed to take six wickets quickly,” the skipper explained.
Addressing concerns about Shakib’s injury, Najmul highlighted that Shakib was indeed playing through pain, evidenced by his taped and bleeding finger.
. He firmly expressed discomfort in singling out individual players for criticism, underscoring that cricket is inherently a team game driven by collective efforts. “Overall, we should have all contributed more. I am not worried about individual performances,” he echoed, steering the narrative towards the importance of unified team contributions.
Najmul further deflected excuses regarding the use of the Kookaburra ball. Bangladesh, more accustomed to playing with SG balls, struggled in their first innings, being bundled out for a mere 149 runs and subsequently managing 284 in their second innings while chasing a daunting 515. “I don’t think the ball was a big issue. It is just a ball. There’s obviously a difference between Kookaburra and SG balls, but the players adjusted to it. We can’t blame our performance on the type of ball,” he asserted, dismissing any notions of attributing the team’s shortcomings to external factors.
Reflecting on the game, Najmul pointed out the failures in the top-order batting, especially during crucial phases. “We didn’t bat well in the first innings. It was a very significant phase of the game. We could have been in a better position with at least one top-order partnership,” he remarked, highlighting an area that requires immediate attention.
In conclusion, Najmul stressed the importance of learning from the game and putting up a stronger fight in the upcoming matches. “In terms of learning from this game, I think it is very important that the top order, especially in the first innings, should have been more careful. We need to put some runs on the board. Going forward, all the batters believe they can come back in the next Test,” he stated. He also expressed optimism over the team’s ability to put together solid opening partnerships, a factor he considers crucial for the next Test match.
Through his firm stance and supportive words, Najmul Hossain Shanto exemplified leadership, prioritizing team unity and collective resilience over isolating individual performances. His measured response underscores the importance of maintaining a cohesive team environment, an ethos likely to benefit the Bangladesh squad as they navigate the challenges ahead.