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Taijul Islam Throws His Hat in the Ring for Bangladesh Test Captaincy
Experienced Spinner Aims to Lead Bangladesh in Red-Ball Cricket
Veteran left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has declared his readiness to assume the Test captaincy for Bangladesh, marking a new chapter in the leadership dynamics post–Najmul Hossain Shanto’s resignation from the role. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Taijul emphasized that leadership is a responsibility he would embrace—“If the opportunity comes, why not?”
Leadership Void After Najmul Shanto’s Departure
Comparing Leadership Records
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Najmul Hossain Shanto exits as the most successful Test skipper in Bangladesh history, with a win percentage of 28.57% (4 wins in 14 matches).
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Predecessors include Shakib Al Hasan (21.05%) and Mushfiqur Rahim (20.58%).
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Following the rift with the board, selectors are weighing options—some voices advocate for Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the current ODI captain, while others favour a specialist approach with distinct leaders for Test and limited-overs formats.
Why Taijul Stands Out
Consistent Selection and Tactical Maturity
Taijul brings a rare quality to the leadership conversation: he holds a permanent spot in the Test XI, offering both on-field experience and off-field insight. The 32-year-old spinner noted that captaincy isn’t a position he craves for glory—rather, he values the platform it provides to shape the squad over long-term cycles.
Bowling Evolution That Inspires Trust
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Since 2021, Taijul has become more economical in overseas conditions—a significant improvement compared to his earlier spells.
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He attributes this refinement to age, experience, and pitch familiarity; increased awareness has enabled him to bowl with consistency and control.
“At an age, you can pitch the ball wherever you want. Experience matters… pace variation confuses batters,” Taijul explained.
This strategic maturation, particularly mastering variation in pace and trajectory, aligns with his vision for a cohesive Test unit.
Selectors Face Tough Choice: Specialist Approach vs. Multifaceted Leader
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is reportedly torn between naming a format-specific captain or sticking with a single leader across formats. Some argue that specialist leadership—highlighted by Taijul’s case—can be more effective in Test cricket where tactical nuances demand utmost clarity and focus.
(🔗 Related Read: Explore our full profile of Taijul’s rise through domestic and international cricket here)
Taijul’s Vision for a Future-Ready Team
Looking ahead, Taijul stressed that a captain should possess a clear direction and long-term vision—one that builds a team over time. He said that building a cohesive side requires identifying goals and crafting plans to achieve success over a two-year cycle.
If appointed, Taijul would bring a blend of strategic acumen, on-field adaptability, and calm leadership to the Test setup.
See the latest ICC rankings and policies on captaincy and leadership at ICC’s official site.
