Tamim Iqbal’s Mentorship Sparks Najmul Hossain Shanto’s ODI Comeback
A New Era and a Resurgent Talent
The Bangladesh cricket landscape is witnessing a fascinating transformation. In the first major series since Tamim Iqbal assumed the presidency of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) during a period of significant turbulence, the national team has delivered a comprehensive performance against New Zealand. Securing a 2-1 victory in the three-match ODI series at home, Bangladesh has not only claimed a series win but has also signaled a shift in momentum and leadership.
Central to this triumph was the resurgence of Najmul Hossain Shanto. While Shanto is already recognized as the Test captain, his role in the ODI series was a masterclass in resilience and technical correction. His contributions were the cornerstone of the series win, featuring both a crucial half-century and a commanding hundred, effectively silencing critics who had begun to question his place in the squad.
Overcoming the Slump: The Struggle of 2025
To appreciate the magnitude of Shanto’s comeback, one must look at the statistics of his recent struggles. Since making his debut in 2018 as a promising 20-year-old, Shanto has been a mainstay across all formats, amassing nearly 2,000 ODI runs. However, the start of 2025 was a different story. For over a year, Shanto struggled to find the boundary, with his last significant score prior to this series being a 76 (119) against Afghanistan in November 2024.
The numbers paint a grim picture of his form leading into the New Zealand series. Across 11 innings in 2025, Shanto managed a meager average of 19.70. The drought was palpable; he endured a 13-match run without a single fifty, with his only highlight being a solitary half-century against New Zealand in Rawalpindi. The pressure reached a breaking point during the first ODI of the home series, where Shanto suffered a golden duck, sparking intense debate over his continued selection.
The Turning Point: From Golden Duck to Century
Despite the early setback, Shanto demonstrated immense mental fortitude. With the series hanging in the balance, he stepped up in the second ODI, scoring an unbeaten 50 off 71 balls to guide Bangladesh to a comfortable chase of 199. He then solidified his return to form in the series decider, smashing a brilliant 105 off 119 deliveries.
By the end of the series, Shanto had emerged as the leading run-scorer with 155 runs in three innings. While the duck in the first game remained a statistic, the manner in which he recovered to dominate the visitors proved that his technical flaws were being addressed.
The Tamim Iqbal Factor: Mentorship in Action
In an interview with The Daily Star, Shanto revealed that his revival was not an accident but the result of targeted mentorship from BCB President Tamim Iqbal. Recognizing the shared perspective of being left-handed batters, Shanto sought the guidance of the former captain to refine a specific aspect of his game.
“Before the BPL, I was working on a specific shot. I felt Tamim bhai would be the best person to consult because he played that shot very successfully throughout his career,” Shanto explained. “I wanted to learn from his real-life experience and understand how he executed it.”
The commitment from Tamim Iqbal went beyond mere advice. The BCB President spent two full days in indoor sessions with Shanto, meticulously breaking down the process of the shot. This hands-on approach and the generous investment of time from a legend of the game provided Shanto with the technical clarity and confidence required to perform under pressure.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Shifts and Future Challenges
While Shanto performed exceptionally at number 4 during the series, he has expressed a desire to return to the number 3 position. However, in a show of professional maturity, he has deferred this decision to the BCB management under Tamim Iqbal and the team captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
The success of the ODI series has set a positive tone for the team. Bangladesh currently leads the T20I series following a strong opening performance in Chattogram. The ultimate test, however, awaits in the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan. Having previously won a series 2-0 in Pakistan, the Tigers now have the opportunity to prove that their previous success was no fluke and that the team is ascending to new heights under the leadership of Tamim Iqbal.
With the right blend of veteran mentorship and youthful talent, Bangladesh is positioning itself to be a formidable force in international cricket once again.
