Najmul Hossain Shanto Resigns as Bangladesh Test Captain After Heavy Defeat to Sri Lanka

Colombo Test Defeat Sparks Leadership Shake-Up in Bangladesh Cricket

In a significant post-match development, Najmul Hossain Shanto has resigned from his position as Bangladesh’s Test captain following the team’s crushing defeat to Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo. The decision, which came moments after the match ended, marks a major turning point in Bangladesh’s red-ball leadership as they embark on their ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 journey.

Bangladesh Collapse Hands Sri Lanka Series Victory

Prabath Jayasuriya’s Fifer Seals Colombo Rout

Sri Lanka clinched the two-match Test series 2-0, dismantling Bangladesh in the final innings thanks to a match-winning performance from left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who bagged a five-wicket haul on Day 4 at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

Bangladesh’s lower order crumbled under pressure, managing just 115 in their second innings, with Sri Lanka wrapping up a dominant victory by an innings and 96 runs. The Tigers failed to match the intensity of the hosts despite a spirited effort in the first Test.

🔗 Related: Taijul Reflects on Batting Collapse in Colombo Test

Shanto’s Sudden Exit: A Reaction to White-Ball Captaincy Change?

While no official explanation was provided, speculation has emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding Shanto’s resignation. According to several media reports, the 25-year-old batter had been left disheartened after being unexpectedly replaced as the white-ball captain by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The announcement, reportedly made via a Zoom call by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on June 12, is said to have influenced Shanto’s decision.

Shanto was earlier reported to be contemplating stepping away from leadership duties due to dissatisfaction over the BCB’s communication style and timing of the white-ball captaincy change. Though his resignation was announced after the Colombo loss, insiders suggest it had been under consideration for weeks.

Shanto’s Individual Brilliance Overshadowed by Team Struggles

Back-to-Back Centuries Highlight His Series

Despite the team’s struggles, Shanto enjoyed a superb personal outing in the Sri Lanka Tests. Batting at No. 3, the elegant left-hander scored 300 runs in the two-match series at an average of 100, including two back-to-back centuries in the opening Test. His efforts stood out as the brightest spark in an otherwise disappointing tour for Bangladesh.

“He was our most dependable batter this series. It’s unfortunate to lose a leader right when he’s hitting peak form,” a team source commented.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Test Captaincy Record

Najmul Hossain Shanto was appointed as Bangladesh’s Test captain in 2023 and led the team in 14 matches over nearly two years. During his tenure, Bangladesh registered four wins, suffered nine defeats, and drew once.

While his leadership saw moments of promise, including notable victories against Zimbabwe and Ireland, the team also endured tough losses to top-tier sides like South Africa, India, and Sri Lanka.

With his departure, the BCB now faces the pressing task of selecting a new red-ball leader ahead of their next Test assignment. Speculation suggests senior players such as Mehidy Hasan Miraz or Litton Das could be considered for the role.

🔗 For the official update on BCB leadership roles, visit the Bangladesh Cricket Board website.

A Transitional Phase for Bangladesh Cricket

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s resignation comes at a delicate time for Bangladesh cricket. The team is navigating through captaincy transitions across formats while trying to build consistency in the World Test Championship cycle. While Shanto may have stepped down from captaincy, his form with the bat continues to make him a crucial asset for the national side.

The BCB’s next move—particularly in appointing a successor—will be watched closely by fans and experts alike as Bangladesh aims to regroup and rise from this early setback.