Rajshahi Warriors head coach Hannan Sarkar believes Najmul Hossain Shanto has made strong progress in T20 cricket. He feels Shanto’s recent performances show clear growth in both mindset and preparation.
Shanto has backed that belief with runs in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League. He opened the tournament with a century and later scored 41 off 30 balls against Rangpur Riders.
He said the BPL remains the most important platform for T20 cricket in the country. “The BPL is our main tournament for T20 cricket,” he said. According to him, Shanto’s form has started to change opinions at the top level. “The way Shanto is playing there has forced the selectors to think in a new way.”
The Rajshahi coach believes bigger opportunities may follow. “He may even come into the World Cup plans. I would not be surprised at all.”
He feels Shanto’s current form and approach fit the demands of international T20 cricket.
While speaking about team planning, the former selector said Shanto was always central to their ideas. “When we planned the team, Shanto was a direct contract player,” he said. He also highlighted the batter’s ambition. “His hunger to play the World Cup and his preparation were very clear.”
He added that the work off the field has paid off. “He has taken that preparation very well,” he said.
The understanding between the two grew during their time together in the national team setup. “There was a clear message between us,” he said, pointing to clarity around roles and expectations.
“This bonding has given him a lot of confidence,” he added.
The Rajshahi coach recalled his days as a selector when Shanto served as captain. “I know Shanto very well,” he said. He explained his approach by saying, “I try to create the field where Shanto performs at his best.”
He believes that support has helped Shanto reach his current level.
He also spoke about leadership and selection calls within the team. “Najmul Hossain Shanto is our captain. When we all sit together and take a decision, everyone tries to support it,” he said.
He stressed shared responsibility. “If it fails, we all take responsibility. The decision belongs to everyone.”
The Rajshahi coach also explained the decision to include Ripon in the playing eleven. He recalled first noticing him during the Top End T20. “That is when his good bowling caught my eye,” he said.
Later, he saw Ripon struggle with injury in the Dhaka Premier League. “From there, he went to the High Performance camp and worked hard on his fitness,” he said.
He praised the progress since then. “His pace has improved. The trainers did a very good job.”
The former selector feels that journey has changed the player. “Ripon has developed himself into a confident player,” he said.
