While chatter has revolved around Shanto potentially opening in the Galle Test starting June 17 - after he did so in the recent practice game - the 25-year-old captain brushed past the positional debate with calm assurance. \u201cYou will get an idea what we are thinking once we get into the first Test,\u201d Shanto was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying. \u201cWe also have four fast bowlers and four spinners. We have tried to balance the attack\u2026 I am prepared to bat in any position.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His comment signalled a shift in leadership approach - not reactive, but strategic. Shanto is not merely plugging short-term gaps but thinking of how to lead a side that has often lacked consistency and clarity in the longer format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That clarity begins with his own role as Test captain, now extended by another year. \u201cA longer term is always helpful for the captain. Planning becomes easy if a captain is appointed with a World Cup or a WTC cycle in mind. I am happy with my conversation with the cricket board. They are also on the same page about giving a captain a longer rope,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shanto had taken on captaincy across formats in 2024 but chose to relinquish the T20I role earlier this year to focus on his batting. That decision reflects maturity - and a recognition of the demands of modern leadership.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe have a lot of T20s, so it was becoming hard to give my batting some time,\u201d he explained. \u201cI wanted to give my batting a bit more time.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That focus on stability is at the heart of Bangladesh\u2019s planning for the 2025\u201327 WTC cycle. They won four Tests in the last cycle including three overseas. Shanto believes the squad can build on that base, provided they play to potential. \u201cWe are a more confident unit after winning four Tests. If we can raise our winning percentage to 55 or 60%, I will be happy as a captain.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh\u2019s problems, however, have been structural. Their openers averaged poorly in the last cycle, and their middle order hasn\u2019t consistently clicked either. Even so, Shanto doesn\u2019t want to fixate on individuals. \u201cWe lacked runs from the openers, but the middle order didn\u2019t contribute regularly either. We need to fix that together.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The return of Ebadot Hossain after a two-year injury layoff brings depth. \u201cI think we have missed Ebadot for a long time,\u201d Shanto said. \u201cHe got injured at the peak of his form. He looks fit\u2026 it is an additional strength for the team.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has earned a call-up. \u201cMurad is a performer in first-class cricket. I think he is prepared to step up if we need a second left-arm spinner. He is mentally ready,\" Shanto said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The return of Ebadot Hossain after a two-year injury layoff brings depth. \u201cI think we have missed Ebadot for a long time,\u201d Shanto said. \u201cHe got injured at the peak of his form. He looks fit\u2026 it is an additional strength for the team.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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