Being captain of a side makes you more responsible: Mominul Haque

Indore, Nov 13: Bangladesh's new captain Mominul Haque on Wednesday said the pressure of leadership is not sitting heavily on him as he is enjoying the new role, ahead of their first of the two Tests against India here.

Mominul, 28, replaced Shakib Al Hasan who was banned for two years (one year suspended) by the ICC for failing to report corrupt approaches.

"I am not feeling pressure just because I have been appointed captain. The way I batted before captaincy, I will bat in the same way now," said left-hander Mominul on the eve of the first Test.

"I always try to think about the positive aspects. There are a few positives in being captain as well. Your knowledge about the game increases. You tend to become more responsible as a player. So I think, it will help me improve my performance," he said.

He was asked what has changed in Bangladesh cricket in the last few years from the time they first played a Test in 2000.

"I think the mentality of players has changed. Players have become more disciplined. Also they are more eager to play five-day games as well," he said.

On India who are strong favourties to win the series, he said: "India is such a team that they can challenge different opponents in different ways.

"May be they will challenge us with spin attack. We are ready to face both spin and pace challenge from India. Definitely, it will be tough for us. But we are preparing to face it."

On Shakib, he said the star all-rounder is like two players put together and the team will miss him.

"I think three players are missing because Shakib bhai is equal to two players. Yes, it will be challenging. But there is no scope of thinking about it too much now," he said.

"We have to move away. I think due to their absence, everyone is more focused and will play with extra responsibility," he added.