Najmul Hossain Shanto openly blames these Bangladesh players for loss to India in Chennai Test

Following India’s commanding 280-run victory in the first Test in Chennai, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto found a silver lining amidst the heavy defeat on Sunday, September 22, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The match ended on Day 4, thanks to India’s bowling attack. Reflecting on the match with a focus on the positives, Shanto said that Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mehmud’s impressive bowling in the early stages was a highlight, as the dup showed their ability to make an impact with the new ball.

Najmul Hossain Shanto reflects on early success but calls for consistency after a heavy loss to India in the Chennai Test

Taskin and Hasan shared nine wickets in Chennai. Despite India’s strong batting display, Shanto emphasized the positives from their bowling attack, particularly with the new ball. However, the Bangladesh captain admitted that the Indian batsmen quickly seized control, demonstrating their prowess at the crease.

Also, Shanto emphasized the importance of building on their initial success, saying consistency is key, and they failed to maintain pressure on India’s formidable batting line-up after early breakthroughs in both innings in the first Test in Chennai.

As the focus shifted to the upcoming second and final Test in Kanpur, starting on September 27, Shanto acknowledged the need for the batters to step up and deliver. The captain is optimistic that both bowlers and batters can rise to the occasion and improve, as the Bangladesh team is aiming to turn the tide in the two-match Test series against Team India.

Najmul Hossain Shanto said at the post-match presentation: “The positive is how Taskin and Hasan bowled in the first 2-3 hours, but India batted really well after that. Seaming options was the biggest positive; we've bowled really well with the new ball but need to continue that. Kanpur is important. Bowlers did well; I hope batters do too.”

I enjoy my batting: Shanto on his stunning fifty in the second innings

With lessons learned from Chennai, Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his determination to contribute as a batter, as Bangladesh is determined to make a stronger comeback at Green Park in Kanpur. Notably, India and Bangladesh will also play a three-match T20I series after the Test assignments.

Najmul Hossain Shanto signed off by saying, “As a batter, I always try to contribute; I enjoy my batting. Tried to bat as long as we could today and play to our strengths.”

Speaking about Bangladesh’s unsuccessful chase, the Tigers had a great start, but once the wickets started falling, they never stood up to the occasion, and India’s world-class bowling attack seized the opportunity and never allowed them to build up big partnerships at the Chepauk Stadium.

Najmul Hossain Shanto was the leading run scorer for Bangladesh in the second inning with the brilliant knock of 87 runs off 127 balls, studded with 8 boundaries and 3 sixes against India in the first Test match in Chennai.

Apart from Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh openers Zakir Hasan (33) and Shadman Islam (35) were the only batters who crossed the 30-run mark during their chase of the mammoth target of 515 runs given by the Indian team.