Confident Shanto ready for India challenge after historic Pakistan triumph

Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test series win over Pakistan under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, with a 2-0 clean sweep in Pakistan boosting the team’s confidence. As they look ahead to their upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) fixtures, including a series against India, the victory has elevated Bangladesh to fourth place in the WTC standings, trailing only India, Australia, and New Zealand.

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto believes that the confidence gained from the Pakistan series could propel the team to further success. “Every cricketer will gain confidence from such a series win,” Najmul told reporters upon his return from Pakistan. “The team’s morale will be boosted. The series against India will definitely be challenging, and we need to come up with a new plan. If we give our best performance, we can achieve good results.”

Prior to this triumph, Bangladesh had been winless against Pakistan in 13 previous attempts. Now, the only teams Bangladesh has yet to beat in Test cricket are India and South Africa, both of whom they will face in their upcoming WTC schedule. With the matches set to take place in conditions familiar to the Tigers, Najmul is optimistic that their positive approach will continue to yield success.

“Every match is approached with the belief that we play to win, and we needed a solid example and we’ve provided that this time [in Pakistan],” Najmul emphasized. “We know if we continue to play and give our best in the game, we can defeat any team. Instead of focusing too much on the results, we concentrate on our process. I believe we can perform well in the next two series.”

Najmul also praised Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha for his role in guiding the team, particularly for his clear communication and detailed planning for each player. Hathurusingha, according to Najmul, has played a “great role in the dressing room.”

“Very good, I think the players are really clear with the coach and he was really supportive and gave proper plans to every player. The atmosphere in the dressing room was really wonderful. Those who performed and didn’t perform all were supporting and backing one another. All the coaches were with the players both at good and bad times.”

Bangladesh is set to play their first Test against India on 19 September in Chennai.