Selectors shield Najmul from pressures of their own design

The Minhajul Abedin-led national selection panel yesterday announced a 15-member squad, along with four stand-by players, for the first two ODIs of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, making a few changes to the squad that toured New Zealand last March for three ODIs and as many T20Is.

There were no surprises at all as all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan returned to the team after skipping the New Zealand tour to attend the birth of his third child.

But there was a curious omission in the side as Najmul Hossain Shanto, who toured New Zealand but only featured in the final T20I, was not even included among stand-by players.

Bangladesh selectors maintained their chop-and-change policy by bringing back one of their 'highly talented' players by dropping Najmul from the squad.

True, the left-hander failed to utilise the opportunities he has gotten so far to cement his place as 93 runs in eight ODI matches is hardly encouraging.

But it would not be unwise to ask whether the selectors have any steadfastness and consistency regarding their future plans and selection policy. Did they give him enough time?

It could have been fantastic had Najmul utilised his opportunities but how can selectors blame a player who opened the innings for the first four matches and then was considered for the number three position, eyeing future plans, for the last four matches and failed to live up to their expectations.

The selectors however chose the same old strategy for bringing Najmul back to the squad.

"He (Najmul) is very much in our future plans but we felt that he needed a break. He didn't perform well against the West Indies at home and then didn't play any ODIs during New Zealand tour. That's why we decided to give him a break," explained Minhajul.

"International cricket might put pressure on him and he can overcome it by playing domestic cricket," he added.

The former national skipper also explained the reason for including stand-by players.

"We announced a 15-member squad with four stand-by players. Taijul [Islam], [Mohammad] Naim Sheikh, Shohidul [Islam] and [Aminul Islam] Biplob are stand-by players. These 19 players are in the squad. We had this squad prepared due to the Covid situation as we might need [any of the 19 players] at any time," explained Minhajul.

Meanwhile, pacers Hasan Mahmud and Rubel Hossain, who were included in the 23-member preliminary squad for the Sri Lanka series, were left out due to injuries.