Tamim Iqbal’s Mentorship Sparks Najmul Hossain Shanto’s ODI Revival

The Return of the Mainstay: Shanto’s Redemption Arc

In the high-pressure world of international cricket, the difference between a player’s downfall and their redemption often comes down to a single technical adjustment or a timely piece of advice. For Najmul Hossain Shanto, the journey back to form was a grueling one, but it culminated in a spectacular fashion during Bangladesh’s recent ODI series against New Zealand.

The series, which took place during a pivotal transition period for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), saw the hosts comprehensively get the better of the visitors, securing a 2-1 series victory. While the team’s overall performance was impressive, the individual narrative of Shanto’s revival became the focal point of the series, proving that resilience—paired with the right guidance—can overcome even the deepest slumps.

Breaking the Drought: From Golden Ducks to Centuries

Najmul Hossain Shanto has been a cornerstone of the Bangladesh batting lineup since his debut as a 20-year-old in 2018. With nearly 2,000 ODI runs to his name, he is well-acquainted with the demands of the format. However, 2025 had been a nightmare for the Test captain. Since his last significant score of 76 against Afghanistan in November 2024, Shanto had struggled to find any rhythm.

The statistics painted a bleak picture: in 11 matches throughout 2025, Shanto managed an average of only 19.70. The drought was particularly oppressive, as he went through a 13-match stretch without recording a single half-century. The crisis reached a boiling point at the start of the New Zealand series at home, where Shanto suffered a golden duck in the opening match. For many critics and naysayers, this was the final straw, leading to loud questions regarding his place in the starting XI.

But cricket is a game of moments. With the series on the line, Shanto silenced his critics in the second ODI, smashing an unbeaten 50 off 71 balls to guide Bangladesh to a comfortable chase of 199. He then elevated his game further in the series decider, scoring a magnificent 105 off 119 balls. Despite the early duck, Shanto ended the series as the leading run-scorer with 155 runs across three innings, effectively shutting down the noise surrounding his form.

The Tamim Effect: A Masterclass in Mentorship

The most intriguing aspect of Shanto’s comeback is the role played by Tamim Iqbal. In a fascinating turn of events, the former captain and current BCB President stepped beyond his administrative duties to provide direct technical assistance to the current Test captain.

In an interview with The Daily Star, Shanto revealed that the revival wasn’t accidental but the result of targeted one-on-one sessions. As a fellow left-hander, Tamim Iqbal was the natural choice for Shanto to seek guidance on a specific shot that had been eluding him.

“Before the BPL, I was working on a specific shot. I felt Tamim bhai would be the best person to consult because he played that shot very successfully throughout his career. I wanted to learn from his real-life experience and understand how he executed it,” Shanto explained.

Tamim’s commitment to the younger player’s growth was evident. He didn’t just offer verbal advice; he spent two days with Shanto in indoor training sessions, meticulously breaking down the mechanics of the shot. Shanto credited this generosity and expertise as a primary catalyst for his return to form, noting that he continues to work on these refinements.

Strategic Shifts and Future Aspirations

While Shanto flourished at number 4 during the New Zealand series, his ambitions aren’t limited to that position. He has expressed a strong desire to return to the number 3 spot, a position where he believes he can provide maximum impact for the team. However, showing respect for the team hierarchy, Shanto has left the final decision to the management led by Tamim Iqbal and the captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

A New Era for Bangladesh Cricket

The success against New Zealand marks a positive start for the BCB under Tamim Iqbal’s presidency. Beyond the 2-1 ODI victory, Bangladesh currently holds the lead in the T20I series following a strong opening performance in Chattogram.

The momentum is now building toward a critical two-match Test series against Pakistan. This encounter is seen as a golden opportunity for Bangladesh to prove that their previous 2-0 series win in Pakistan was not a fluke. With players like Shanto returning to their best and a leadership structure that blends administrative experience with on-field talent, the BCB is eyeing new heights in the global cricket landscape.