Chandika Hathurusingha backs ‘tactically excellent’ Shanto as long-term captaincy prospect for Bangladesh

Najmul Hossain Shanto. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Under the leadership of Najmul Shanto, Bangladesh defeated New Zealand by 150 runs to win the first Test of the two-match series. Following the victory, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha praised Shanto’s leadership skills and hailed him as one of the long-term prospects to lead Bangladesh in all three formats of the game.

Notably, Shanto is currently leading the national side in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who is out with a finger injury. Speaking about his leadership ability, Hathurusingha stated that the cricketer is extremely dynamic and plans well. Meanwhile, not just in terms of captaincy, Shanto was very effective with the bat as well. He hit a century in the second innings and based on his knock, Bangladesh posted 338 runs in the second innings, which derailed New Zealand’s momentum.

Hathurusingha appreciated his batting skill as well and stated that the 25-year-old is leading by example and is demanding the same standard from other players. Coming back to his captaincy, the head coach stated that the board will take a call when the time is right but he remains to be in the scheme of things.

“His captaincy was excellent because tactically he was really on the mark. He was a step ahead of the game most of the time. He had set very impressive field placing as well, sometimes unorthodox and very effective.

“His leadership was also excellent. He led from the front with his performance — batting as well as commanding respect and demanding the standard (from players). That’s a good thing. I think he has a good future ahead. The board has to make a decision [regarding] his captaincy or leadership (for the long term) and the board will take a decision when the time comes,” Hathurusingha was quoted as saying by Daily Star.

Meanwhile, Shanto is also interested in taking up the role of leading Bangladesh in international cricket. Ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, the cricketer stated that he has the ‘ability to lead in all formats’.