Najmul Hossain Shanto .File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 12, 2025 (BSS)—Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto wants senior cricketers
Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad to share their experience with the young players, rather than taking any extra pressure.

Both Mushfiqur and  Mahmudullah played an important role in taking Bangladesh to the semifinal of the last Champions Trophy in England in 2017 with the later hitting century against New Zealand in a ‘do or die’ game.

When another Champions Trophy is knocking at the door, Shanto believes the duo’s experience will be key.

“Both (Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah) are important players and played in the last Champions Trophy.

Their experience is certainly valuable,” Shanto said here today during the pre-tournament conference.

“It’s obviously not good to rely on any specific player. And as a captain I don’t do it. I think we have to play as a team. Whoever plays should take responsibility and contribute to winning the game,” he said.

“Mahmudullah Riyad Bhai and Mushfiq Bhai's experience should be shared with everyone on the field. They have vast knowledge on the game and the tournament and it will help us in many ways.”

Bangladesh will start the tournament by taking on India in Dubai on February 20. India, however, will be without their key player Jasprit Bumrah as the fast bowler was ruled out of the team due to an injury.

Since Bumrah always brings an X-factor for the team, experts believe his absence will give India’s opponents a mental edge. But Shanto was not keen to think about any particular player.

"Every team has capable players. Each team has its own X-factor,” Shanto said.

“But I don't want to plan based on individuals. The entire team has a plan on how to handle different players. We always have an overall team plan,” he added.