As Bangladesh gears up for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the team faces a mix of challenges and aspirations. Despite a less-than-ideal recent record and limited preparation, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remains unwavering in his belief that his team is capable of clinching the prestigious title.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto – 'We are going to Champions Trophy to become champions' #cricket #sports #crickettwitterhttps://t.co/cymW08JkIh
— Sportsfeed (@thesportsfeedco) February 12, 2025
A Strong Belief in the Team’s Capabilities
Bangladesh enters the Champions Trophy with a strong sense of confidence, despite a challenging run in recent One-Day International (ODI) matches. “We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions,” declared Shanto, making it clear that the team’s mindset is focused on victory. Recognizing the quality of all eight teams in the tournament, he remains optimistic about his squad’s chances. “All eight teams deserve to be champions in this tournament. They are all quality teams. I believe our team has the ability,” he added, expressing his trust in the players.
While Bangladesh has faced challenges in recent ODI series, losing 24 out of 41 matches since 2023, including setbacks against Afghanistan and the West Indies, Shanto believes in the resilience of his squad. The team’s lack of preparation for the Champions Trophy, following a defeat in a recent 3-0 series loss to West Indies, does not dampen his optimism. With a fresh resolve, the captain is confident that Bangladesh can defy the odds and perform at their best on the grand stage.
Overcoming Key Player Absences
One of the significant challenges Bangladesh faces heading into the Champions Trophy is the absence of key players. Senior all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, a pillar of Bangladesh’s cricket team, will miss the tournament due to a suspension for an illegal bowling action. Despite his absence, Shanto maintains that the team is not dwelling on the loss of Shakib. “Of course, we will miss him, but I don’t think it’s relevant to talk about this before a tournament,” Shanto remarked. His sentiment underscores the team’s focus on moving forward and relying on the collective strength of the squad, rather than any individual player’s absence.
Shanto further added that any player stepping into Shakib’s shoes would need to shoulder his responsibilities. “Whoever gets the responsibility will have to play Shakib’s role,” he said, reinforcing the idea that the team must adapt and find solutions without looking back.
Shaping a Balanced and Competitive Squad
Although Bangladesh is without several high-profile players, including Shakib, Litton Das, and Tamim Iqbal, Shanto remains confident in his squad. “I am very happy and confident with the 15 players in the squad. Anyone who plays has the ability to win a match single-handedly,” he asserted. This shows the strength and versatility that Shanto believes his team possesses, even in the absence of some stalwarts.
One of the areas in which Bangladesh has seen significant improvement is in their pace bowling unit. “Not too long ago, we didn’t have quality pace bowlers, but now we have a strong pace bowling unit,” Shanto observed. Along with their improved pace attack, Bangladesh now boasts the addition of wrist spinners to their arsenal, further enhancing their bowling depth. With a more balanced team, Shanto is confident that Bangladesh can compete with the best and take down any opponent that comes their way.
A Strategic Approach to Conditions and Match Preparation
As Bangladesh prepares for their opening match against India in Dubai, followed by fixtures against New Zealand and Pakistan in Rawalpindi, Shanto is keen on assessing the playing conditions quickly. Understanding that the nature of the pitch and weather will have a significant impact on match strategies, Shanto anticipates that teams will need to set or chase scores above 320 in Pakistan. “I expect the pitches in Pakistan to be 300-plus wickets. If we bat first, we need to put up such scores. Even while defending, we will need to defend such scores,” Shanto stated.
In Dubai, Shanto acknowledges that conditions can be variable, and expects scores in the range of 260-280, although he admits that predicting exact numbers is challenging. The team’s ability to read the conditions and adjust their strategies accordingly will be crucial to their success.
Embracing the Collective Responsibility
At the heart of Shanto’s leadership is a focus on collective responsibility. Rather than relying on individual performances, he emphasizes that every player must fulfill their role for the team to succeed. “If everyone fulfills their responsibilities properly, we can defeat any team at any time,” he said, stressing the importance of teamwork and synergy. This collective approach, where every player contributes to the team’s success, could be the key to Bangladesh’s potential triumph.
With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy fast approaching, Bangladesh’s captain remains resolute in his belief that his team has the potential to emerge victorious. With a balanced squad, a strengthened bowling attack, and a collective sense of purpose, Bangladesh will look to make a statement in the tournament. As Shanto has stated, “We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions.”
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🗣 "We all believe in our ability to become champions. We are working hard with confidence and staying true to our efforts."
— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) February 12, 2025
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has one clear goal for the upcoming Champions Trophy- 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 🏆 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲.#CT25 |… pic.twitter.com/6vhiJdTH8v
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s bold ambition for the 2025 Champions Trophy reflects their strengthened squad, with a focus on teamwork, adaptability, and collective responsibility. Despite key absences and a challenging recent record, the team’s optimism and strategic approach position them as potential title contenders. With a balanced team, improved bowling options, and a determined captain, Bangladesh could surprise many on their quest to become champions.
