Taijul Islam ready to captain Bangladesh if Najmul Shanto leaves

Veteran Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam said he is ready to take over as Test captain if Najimul Shanto decides to leave the post. There were reports recently that Shanto is ready to step down after the Test series in South Africa.

Speaking ahead of the second Test against South Africa, Taijul said he had not heard of Shanto’s decision and was willing to accept the role if offered, given that he has been involved in international cricket for 10 years.

“I haven’t heard anything on this (regarding Najmul stepping down as captain). It is not our responsibility, I am not fully informed about it,” Taijul told reporters at the Zahoor Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Monday.

“Having played 10 years, I am completely ready (for the rank of captain),” he added.

Taijul also admitted that some players might have been affected by outside noise when asked about the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal quitting midway through the series.

“This is a team game. The most important thing is for the team to stay in good shape. Some players may be affected by external events, while others can continue their role calmly,” Taijul said. “Personally, I try to stay calm and focus on my work. But within the team, I can’t say how each person reacts; Everyone’s thinking is different. We do not participate in management or board meetings,” he said.

Taijul also added that the batters will have to step up to ensure that the series against South Africa is saved after losing the first match in Mirpur by 7 wickets.

“Our goal remains the same: we will play to win. As for the match conditions, we will understand them as the game unfolds. But the focus will be on playing as a team – be it batting, bowling or fielding.” We will do our best to win,” Taijul said.

“Every match is an opportunity. From that perspective, I think this is another opportunity for the batters. We did not perform to the level expected as a team, although some of us achieved individual results in various matches. If we can build two or three partnerships in a game and one or two players score a century, our target will be much bigger and everyone will work hard and give their all.”

The second match between Bangladesh and South Africa will begin on Tuesday, October 29.