Najmul Hossain Shanto has thrown his support behind Litton Das after Bangladesh Cricket Board named him as the new ODI captain. The Test skipper believes Litton can build a stronger one-day side after impressing as the national T20 captain.
There had been speculation that Shanto could regain the ODI captaincy after Mehidy Hasan Miraz completed a year in the role. Instead, the board handed the responsibility to Litton, who will now lead Bangladesh in both white-ball formats.
Shanto said he had already discussed the decision with BCB president Tamim Iqbal. As a result, the announcement did not come as a surprise.
“I spoke with Tamim Bhai and I was clear about the situation,” Shanto told reporters before Bangladesh’s tour of Australia.
He also congratulated Litton on his appointment.
“I think he has taken the T20 team to a very good place over the past few years. I believe he can also take the ODI team to a very good place.”
Shanto lost the ODI captaincy in June 2025 when Mehidy replaced him. Reports at the time suggested he wanted to step down as Test captain as well. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board persuaded him to continue leading the red-ball side. He also stayed on as ODI vice-captain.
Although Bangladesh won only four of the 14 ODIs under Shanto’s leadership, his captaincy continued to earn praise from teammates and cricket officials.
The latest decision means Bangladesh will have separate captains across formats. Litton will lead the ODI and T20 teams, while Shanto remains in charge of the Test side.
If the proposed series against India goes ahead in September, it will be Litton’s first ODI assignment as permanent captain.
Shanto was also asked whether Bangladesh would have benefited from having one captain across all formats. He said the board and team management had made the decision they believed was best for the national team.
“Whatever is best for the team is what matters,” Shanto said.
“I believe the cricket board and the management discussed everything before making this decision.”
His response showed unity rather than disappointment. Instead of looking back, Shanto is focused on supporting Litton and helping Bangladesh move forward.
