‘We have enough spinners’ – Najmul Hossain Shanto reflects on squad changes ahead of Sri Lanka series

Shanto baby celebration. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Bangladesh are all set to kick off their three-game T20I series against Sri Lanka. Both sides will face off in the first T20I at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday, March 4, and with the advent of the series, Bangladesh has made a number of changes to their squad for the three-game affair.

Ahead of the series, Bangladesh announced the inclusion of batter-keeper Jaker Ali Anik in place of injured off-spinner Aliss Al Islam. Speaking of the same, newly appointed skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto came forward to talk about how a middle-order batter in Jaker was needed. 

“We have enough spinners. Rishad [Hossain] is bowling well. The reason to take Jaker Ali is because, I think, the team need a middle-order batter. All selectors and coaches felt that another middle-order batter was required, and that’s what led to Zaker’s inclusion,” Shanto was quoted as saying by Daily Star.

Also Read: Najmul Hossain Shanto on his goals as Bangladesh captain across formats

Saifuddin performed very well after returning from injury, there will be opportunities: Shanto

Furthermore, Najmul Shanto also talked of how in-form all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin did not make Bangladesh’s squad. Saifuddin impressed with his performances in the recently concluded BPL (Bangladesh Premier League), where he helped Comilla Victorians reach the summit clash of the tournament. 

However, despite his performances, the all-rounder did not make Bangladesh’s squad, and skipper Shanto opined that the physios opined that it could be risky to play the in-form star as he comes back from injury and that he will get several other opportunities with the DPL (Dhaka Premier League) looming on the horizon.

“What I feel about Saifuddin is that he performed very well after returning from injury. But him playing such a series after coming back from injury, all of our physios felt it would be risky. Hopefully he will continue like this, and there is a DPL [Dhaka Premier League] ahead, then there will be opportunities,” Shanto concluded.