Najmul Hossain Shanto Credits Tamim Iqbal for Bangladesh ODI Revival
A New Chapter for Bangladesh Cricket
The landscape of Bangladesh cricket is undergoing a significant transformation. Under the leadership of newly appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal, the national team has shown immediate signs of renewed vitality. The most striking example of this positive shift is the recent 2-1 ODI series victory against a formidable New Zealand side on home soil.
For many, the series was defined by the return to form of Najmul Hossain Shanto. The Test captain, who has been a mainstay of the batting lineup since his debut in 2018, had been struggling with a prolonged slump that left both fans and pundits questioning his place in the side.
The Struggle Before the Resurgence
Shanto’s recent form had been a point of concern for months. Since scoring 76 runs against Afghanistan in November 2024, the left-hander faced a grueling stretch. Across 11 matches in 2025, his average dipped to a meager 19.70. A thirteen-match streak without a single half-century had reached its nadir during the start of the New Zealand series, where Shanto began with a demoralizing golden duck.
However, true quality often reveals itself under pressure. With the series on the line, Shanto showcased his mental toughness. He anchored the chase in the second ODI with a composed 50 not out off 71 balls and followed it up with a masterful 105 off 119 deliveries in the series decider. He concluded the series as the top run-scorer with 155 runs, effectively silencing his critics.
The Tamim Iqbal Factor
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Shanto’s turnaround is the mentorship he received from the top. In a candid interview with The Daily Star, Shanto revealed that his revival was not merely a result of personal grit, but also the direct intervention of BCB president Tamim Iqbal.
“Before the BPL, I was working on a specific shot. I felt Tamim bhai would be the best person to consult because he played that shot very successfully throughout his career,” Shanto explained. Recognizing the value of Iqbal’s immense experience, Shanto reached out for guidance. The result was a collaborative effort that saw the legendary former captain spend two days in the indoor nets with the current Test skipper.
“I invited him, and he beautifully explained the whole process to me. He generously gave his time, and I benefited a lot from that,” Shanto added. This one-on-one technical session proved to be the catalyst for the rhythm and confidence Shanto displayed against the Blackcaps.
Looking Ahead: Ambitions and Challenges
While Shanto has found success batting at number four, he has not shied away from expressing his desire to return to his preferred position at number three. However, he remains committed to the broader vision, stating that he is happy to leave tactical decisions to the leadership of Tamim Iqbal and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
The momentum under the new BCB administration is palpable. Beyond the ODI series win, Bangladesh has taken an early lead in the T20I series in Chattogram. The focus now shifts toward the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan.
The team is eager to demonstrate that their previous 2-0 Test series victory in Pakistan was no mere fluke. With the guidance of a leader who understands the technical nuances of the game as well as Tamim Iqbal does, the Tigers are looking to solidify their standing on the world stage. As the BCB navigates this transition period, the synergy between the board’s leadership and the playing squad suggests that Bangladesh cricket is entering an era of calculated, expert-led growth.
Conclusion
The story of Shanto and Iqbal is a testament to the importance of mentorship in sports. By bridging the gap between past legends and present stars, the BCB is fostering an environment where technical refinement and mental clarity can flourish. As the team prepares for the tests ahead, the renewed form of their Test captain provides a strong foundation for the challenges to come.
