SL vs BAN 2025: Najmul Hossain Shanto dropped from Bangladesh’s T20I squad days after stepping down from Test captaincy

Najmul Hossain Shanto. (Photo Source: MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Bangladesh batter Najmul Hossain Shanto has been dropped from the T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka. The announcement comes just days after he stepped down from the Test captaincy following a 1-0 series defeat in Sri Lanka.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 16-member squad for the series, scheduled from July 10 to 16, with Shanto’s exclusion among five other notable changes. Shanto’s T20I form has been underwhelming throughout 2024. In 21 matches this year, he averaged just 18.84 with only one fifty to his name. After giving up the T20I captaincy in January to focus on his batting, his struggles continued. Despite being part of the squad during the series against UAE and Pakistan in May, he played only one of the six matches.

In his place, left-handed opener Mohammad Naim has been recalled. Naim has been in red-hot form in the domestic circuit, topping the charts in both the BPL and NCL T20s with 827 runs at an average of 37.59 and a strike rate of 140.40. Apart from the southpaw, Soumya Sarkar, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, Nahid Rana, and Khaled Ahmed, who were all part of the previous T20I setup, have also been dropped.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Saifuddin is back after a year-long absence, following a brilliant domestic season post his break from cricket. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman have also made their comebacks after recovering from injuries. Shoriful Islam, who was nursing a groin niggle, has retained his place. In the spin department, Nasum Ahmed replaces Tanvir Islam.

Shanto publicly announces Test captaincy resignation

Shanto stepped down as Test captain after the 1-0 series defeat to Sri Lanka. He publicly announced his resignation, stating that he had already informed the board. Initially appointed as an all-format captain following Shakib Al Hasan’s injury in late 2023, Shanto had a mixed tenure. Bangladesh won four out of 14 Tests under him, including historic wins over New Zealand and Pakistan.

His form also improved in Tests during his leadership stint, averaging 36.24 compared to 29.83 as a regular player. However, after being replaced as ODI captain by Mehidy Hasan Miraz earlier this year, many questioned his long-term role in the leadership group. With Mehidy now leading ODIs and Litton Das heading the T20I side, the Test captaincy is open ahead of their next red-ball assignment in October against Ireland.

Bangladesh’s T20I squad for Sri Lanka series: