Taijul Islam is eager to lead Bangladesh in Test cricket if the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) grants him the opportunity. The left-arm orthodox spinner expressed his desire to lead the Tigers ahead of the 2nd Test against South Africa in Chattogram. If reports are to be believed, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh’s current all-format captain, has decided to step down as captain after the South Africa series ends.
Taijul Islam, Bangladesh’s next Test captain?
Therefore, when Taijul was asked the question at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium about Shanto stepping down, the spinner said, “I haven’t heard anything on this matter. It’s not part of our role; I’m not fully informed on this.” Having been representing Bangladesh for a decade, the Taijul feels if Shanto indeed decided to remove himself from the leadership, he’s ready to don the captaincy hat. “Having played for 10 years, I’m fully prepared,” he added.
With Shakib Al Hasan retiring and Mushfiqur Rahim reaching the end of his career as well, Bangladesh doesn’t have many options. Mominul Haque has already had his stint as captain, and he didn’t fare well. The only two options barring Taijul are Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Litton Das or Mehidy Hasan Miraz, better options?
Now, Litton might be too up and down for BCB, but Miraz is being touted as Shakib’s successor, and he’s proven himself as the perfect all-rounder plenty of times. Regardless of pitch or country, he’s one of the sure-shot starters. One can’t forget that Taijul didn’t even play in Pakistan while Mehidy and Litton both shined there.
It seems unlikely that Taijul would be named captain, but strange things happen all the time in cricket.
Bangladesh’s squad for 2nd South Africa Test
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das (wk), Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad, Syed Khaled Ahmed
