Captain Najmul Shanto Reacts To Bangladesh's Test Series Defeat Against India
Bangladesh was expected to put up a strong fight against India following their historic Test series win over Pakistan.
India completed a 2-0 clean sweep against Bangladesh in IND vs BAN Test series, with a solid win in Chennai followed by a thumping win in Kanpur. After the series loss, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto reflected on the reasons for their shambolic defeat.
Bangladesh was expected to put up a strong fight against India following their historic Test series win over Pakistan. However, they were completely outplayed by a relentless Indian side throughout the two-match series.
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Following the second Test defeat, Shanto highlighted that many players were dismissed after facing only 30 to 40 balls, underscoring a lack of focus and concentration at crucial moments.
"Both the Tests we didn't bat well. In these conditions, we need to perform better. If you look at our batters, we played 30-40 balls and got out. It's crucial in a Test match to build on starts and aim for big runs," Shanto said, as reported by Cricbuzz.
Shanto emphasized how the important partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in the first Test influenced the game's result. He urged the bowling unit to reassess their approach to taking crucial wickets at key moments.
"The way Ashwin and Jadeja batted at that time was impressive. As a bowling unit, we need to focus on those moments and find ways to take those wickets. That partnership cost us the game. However, the way Mominul batted in this innings will be beneficial moving forward, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled exceptionally well in both innings," Shanto added.
Shanto scored 152 runs across four innings, averaging 38.00 with one half-century. His best performance was in the second innings of the first Test, where he made 82 runs off 127 balls, including eight boundaries and three sixes.
The T20 series between India and Bangladesh is set to begin on October 6. The series opener will take place at New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior. The second match is scheduled for October 9 in Delhi, followed by the third match on October 12 at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.