Tamim Iqbal’s Mentorship Sparks Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Form Revival

A New Era of Leadership: Tamim Iqbal’s Impact on the Field and Board

Bangladesh cricket is currently navigating a transformative period. Amidst a backdrop of turbulence, the appointment of Tamim Iqbal as the head of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has already begun to yield tangible results. While his role is now administrative, his influence on the pitch remains as potent as ever. This was most evident during the recent three-match ODI series against New Zealand, where Bangladesh didn’t just compete—they comprehensively got the better of the visitors, securing a hard-fought 2-1 series victory.

Central to this victory was the resurgence of Najmul Hossain Shanto. The experienced campaigner and current Test captain found his rhythm at the perfect moment, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the series win. However, this success was not an overnight miracle; it was the result of targeted intervention and a willingness to learn from one of the game’s greats.

Overcoming the Slump: Shanto’s Battle with Form

For any athlete, the mental toll of a prolonged slump can be devastating. For Najmul Hossain Shanto, 2025 had been a challenging year. Despite being a mainstay of the national side since his debut in 2018 as a 20-year-old and accumulating nearly 2,000 ODI runs, Shanto found himself struggling to find the boundary.

The statistics paint a stark picture of his struggles prior to the New Zealand series:

• Average: A meager 19.70 across 11 innings in 2025.
• Dry Spell: A 13-match run without a single half-century.
• Last Peak: His last significant score prior to this revival was a 76 against Afghanistan in November 2024.

The pressure reached a boiling point at the start of the home series against New Zealand, where Shanto suffered a golden duck. Such a start naturally invited scrutiny and raised loud questions from critics and fans alike regarding his continued spot in the playing XI.

The Turning Point: Silence the Naysayers

With the series hanging in the balance, Shanto displayed the resilience expected of a captain. He managed to pivot his approach and deliver when it mattered most. In the second ODI, he anchored the chase of 199 with a composed, unbeaten 50 off 71 balls, ensuring a comfortable win for the hosts.

He then elevated his game further in the series decider, smashing a magnificent 105 off 119 balls. This century was more than just a statistical milestone; it was a statement of intent. Shanto ended the series as the leading run-scorer with 155 runs in three innings, effectively silencing his critics and reclaiming his position as a cornerstone of the batting order.

The Secret Behind the Revival: The Tamim Iqbal Connection

Following the series, Shanto revealed the catalyst for his comeback in an interview with The Daily Star. He credited the BCB president and former captain, Tamim Iqbal, for providing the technical guidance he desperately needed. As a fellow left-hander, Tamim was the natural choice for Shanto to seek advice.

Shanto explained that he had been struggling with a specific shot and believed Tamim’s real-life experience would be the key to unlocking it. “I felt Tamim bhai would be the best person to consult because he played that shot very successfully throughout his career,” Shanto shared. “I invited him, and he beautifully explained the whole process to me.”

The mentorship wasn’t limited to mere conversation. Tamim Iqbal dedicated two days of intensive indoor sessions, working one-on-one with Shanto to refine his technique and execution. This generosity of time and expertise proved to be the difference-maker on the field.

Looking Ahead: Batting Order and Future Ambitions

While Shanto excelled at number 4 during the New Zealand series, he has expressed a desire to return to the number 3 position. However, in a show of professional humility, he has left the final decision to the management led by Tamim Iqbal and the captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

The momentum is clearly with Bangladesh. Not only have they secured the ODI series, but they also hold the lead in the T20I series following the opening match in Chattogram. The team now looks forward to a critical two-match Test series against Pakistan. Given their previous 2-0 victory on Pakistani soil, the squad is eager to prove that their previous success was no fluke and that they can consistently compete at the highest level.

Under the guidance of Tamim Iqbal’s presidency and the renewed form of key players like Shanto, Bangladesh cricket seems poised to reach new heights of stability and success.