The ongoing Bangladesh Premier League began with a century from Rajshahi Warriors captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. On December 26 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Rajshahi chased down 190 with two balls to spare against Sylhet Titans in the tournament’s opening match, thanks to Shanto’s unbeaten 101 off 60 balls.
Although he failed to register a fifty in the next five innings, he still produced two scores in the thirties. On Sunday against Rangpur Riders, his bat came alive once again as he struck 76 off 42 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes.
However, the left-handed batter has been out of Bangladesh’s T20 setup since May 2025. He had earlier stepped down from the captaincy in the shortest format following his struggles with the bat and was subsequently dropped from the side.
He also did not find a place in Bangladesh’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. One of the major obstacles behind Shanto’s omission has been his batting position alongside his performance for the national color. However, in this year’s BPL, where he has become the tournament’s leading run scorer, he has batted at number three in all his innings. In seven matches, he has scored 287 runs at an average of 47.83 and a strike rate of 148.70.
In the national T20 side, that number three position is occupied by captain Litton Das. That alone makes Shanto’s inclusion in the World Cup squad highly unlikely. On top of that, the top order already features two left-handers, Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim. It is only natural that the Bangladesh team management would be reluctant to add another left-handed batter to that mix.
Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu has said that there is still a window to make changes to the World Cup squad until January 21. Even so, a late reshuffle appears unlikely, given that Bangladesh have largely stuck with a settled T20 side over the past year. The chief selector has also made it clear that the door is not completely closed for anyone, stating that exceptional performances could still earn a last-minute call-up.
Chasing the target against Rangpur, Rajshahi lost opener Tanzid Hasan for 13 runs. Shanto then put together a massive 142-run partnership off 82 balls for the second wicket with Muhammad Waseem, which effectively decided the match. Coming in at number three, Shanto went on the offensive from the outset, taking apart the Rangpur bowlers.
He reached his fifty off 29 balls with five fours and two sixes, and added another 24 runs off the next 13 deliveries. By the time he was dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman, Rajshahi’s victory was virtually assured.
After being named Player of the Match, Shanto addressed the media and was asked whether he sees himself in the T20 World Cup squad, given that changes can be made until January 21. Shanto made it clear that he is not thinking about the World Cup at all.
“As far as I know, the World Cup team has already been announced. That is what I understand. I have not really thought about it. My main focus is how I can make an impact every day,” he said.
Shanto also felt that his current performances are still not enough and that there is room for improvement, especially as he failed to convert good starts into big scores in a couple of innings.
“I feel that what I have done is still not enough. There is more opportunity here. If I get another chance in the next match, I will try again to make an impact for the team. Selection is not in my control. The coach, captain and selectors have done what they feel is best for the team. My job is to keep trying to perform consistently,” he added.
