Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his disappointment over his team’s batting struggles following their recent Test series loss to India in Kanpur.
Reflecting on the defeats, Shanto emphasized the importance of better batting performances, particularly in challenging conditions, and identified key areas where the team needs to improve to compete at the highest level.
Shanto admitted that Bangladesh’s batting was a significant issue in both Test matches, stating, “Both the Tests we didn’t bat well.”
He highlighted how the inability to convert starts into big scores hindered the team’s chances. “We played 30-40 balls and got out,” he said, underscoring the need for batsmen to build substantial innings in Test cricket.
He stressed the importance of capitalizing on time spent at the crease, saying, “In a Test match, when batsmen get in, you should look to score big runs.” This highlights his belief that Bangladesh’s batters need to show greater patience and determination to post competitive totals.
Shanto praised India’s Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, whose crucial partnership turned the game in India’s favor. “The way Ashwin and Jaddu batted at that time – they batted really well,” Shanto remarked, acknowledging their impact on the outcome of the matches.
Shanto pointed out that Bangladesh’s bowling unit missed key moments to take crucial wickets and turn the game around. “As a bowling unit, we need to look at those moments – how we can get those wickets. That partnership cost us that game,” he said, recognizing the need to seize critical opportunities in future matches.
Despite the defeats, Shanto found some bright spots in individual performances. He commended Mominul Haque‘s solid batting in the second innings, which he believes will boost the team’s confidence moving forward. “The way Mominul batted this innings will help going forward,” Shanto noted. He also praised Mehidy Hasan Miraz for his excellent bowling efforts in both innings, stating, “The way Miraz bowled in both innings – he bowled really well.”
Shanto’s reflections on the series underscore the need for greater consistency and focus from Bangladesh, particularly in their batting and in capitalizing on key moments in matches. His insights also highlight optimism for the future, pointing to strong individual performances as areas to build on as the team looks to bounce back in upcoming Test series.
