Shanto’s Leadership in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023
Following the conclusion of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Shanto, who led the Tigers in their final match against Australia, expressed his readiness to take on the role of permanent captain for the Bangladesh cricket team. Despite the team’s eight-wicket loss to Australia, the 25-year-old player, who also captained the team against India, is confident in his leadership abilities.
Shanto’s Readiness for Captaincy
Shanto, after the match in Pune, stated his readiness to take on the captaincy role if chosen by the selectors. He expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team effectively, having gained considerable experience in the role.
Shakib Al Hasan’s Future Uncertainty
The Tigers were led throughout the tournament by veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. However, Shakib has indicated that he may not continue playing for Bangladesh beyond the 2025 Champions Trophy. He also expressed reluctance about his appointment as captain earlier in the year. If Shakib decides to step down, Shanto believes his World Cup experience will be beneficial in leading the team.
Shanto’s World Cup Experience
Shanto reflected on his first World Cup experience, acknowledging the lessons he learned and the pressure he faced from formidable teams. He believes these experiences will be instrumental in his future cricket career and potential captaincy.
Challenges Faced by Bangladesh in the Tournament
Despite a commendable batting performance by the Tigers, which saw them score over 300 for the first time in the tournament, they were unable to overcome a stellar century from Australia’s Mitchell Marsh. Some critics attributed Bangladesh’s inconsistent top order to frequent changes in batting positions.
Shanto’s Views on Batting Order
Shanto expressed his hope for a more consistent batting order in the future, despite understanding the reasons behind the changes. He believes that maintaining consistent positions could potentially yield different results for the team.
Future Plans for Bangladesh Cricket
As Bangladesh prepares for a multiple format tour in New Zealand later this month, including 50-over matches in December, it remains uncertain whether Shanto will be appointed as the team’s permanent captain.