Shanto pins hopes on Shakib, Mahmudullah

Tigers' skipper urges teammates to focus on doing small things right

FE Team | Published: May 29, 2024 23:44:06

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto speaking in BCB Facebook page on Tuesday — BCB

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto feels former skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah will continue to help him in difficult times like they are doing at present as he prepares for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to start in USA and West Indies from June 02, reports Cricbuzz.
Shanto, who was appointed as across-format skipper on February 12 this year, had the experience of leading the national team in an ICC event when he guided the team against India and Sri Lanka in India at the ODI World Cup due to absence of absence of Shakib al Hasan.
However, that will be not the case this time round and all eyes will be on Shanto when Bangladesh kick off their World Cup with the game against Sri Lanka in Dallas on June 07.
"Having such experienced cricketers on the team is a big plus point, especially for those playing in their first World Cup," Shantowas quoted in BCB Facebook page on Tuesday.
"There's a lot to learn from them. They also have leadership experience, and they will help me during difficult times. Whenever I need something, they come forward. Hopefully, the World Cup will not be an exception," he said.
"I think every cricketer dreams of representing their country. Having the opportunity to play on a stage like the World Cup is a proud and thrilling moment for any cricketer. I want to enjoy this time and fulfill my responsibilities to the team. That's the goal. I don't want to think that being captain has increased my responsibilities too much. I want to enjoy every day," he added.
Shanto urged his teammates to follow the process and focus on doing the small things right, considering they need to make sure they fix up issues at top of the batting order and in death bowling before the showpiece event. Bangladesh began their preparation in USA by losing their maiden T20I series against the hosts. After two eye-opening defeats, they came back to secure a consolation win by 10 wickets.
"When we go to play in a big tournament, we must go with big dreams. I don't like focusing on outcomes. If we work on our processes, something good will come," Shanto said.
"We want to perform very well as a team and achieve what we haven't achieved before. Thinking about expectations increases pressure, so it's very important to follow the process. If we can focus on the small things, the results will come," he said, adding that he is expecting good support in USA.