Bangladesh stand-in ODI skipper Najmul Hossain said on Monday that he is aiming to adopt Shakib Al Hasan’s leadership approach as he prepares to lead the national team against New Zealand at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday, September 26th.
Najmul Hossain was appointed as the 16th ODI captain by the BCB after Litton Kumar Das, who took over temporarily when the regular captain Shakib Al Hasan was given a rest for the entire series, requested a break to focus on his batting. Najmul looked excited to take up the challenge despite the fact that the hosts could lose their first series against New Zealand in their own backyard since 2010. “It is not a challenge, but a matter to enjoy,” he said of the responsibility. “I am really feeling good for the opportunity, and now the way our team is at the moment with the World Cup ahead. To be honest, if we can end the game on a good note, our team will be in a good shape and if I can end the game on a good note it will be helpful for me as well,” Najmul said ahead of the third ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday. “We cannot think what happened in 2008 (their last ODI series loss to New Zealand at home) and it is important to end the game on a good note tomorrow. I think as a player this is a proud moment for me and for my family members. The board gave this opportunity and I am very excited about it. Hopefully I will enjoy it tomorrow,” he said. “Shakib bhai has always been my favourite cricketer. As a captain we have seen MS Dhoni and everyone likes him a lot. Personally I like the way Shakib bhai leads the team and handles the players.
