‘We have enough spinners’ - Najmul Hossain Shanto reflects on squad changes ahead of Sri Lanka series

As the countdown begins for the first T20I clash at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday, March 4, Bangladesh is all set to initiate their three-game series versus Sri Lanka. In preparation for the series opener, Bangladesh have implemented numerous changes to their squad for the forthcoming series.

Prior to the series, Bangladesh made a squad alteration by including wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali Anik instead of the injured off-spinner Aliss Al Islam. Speaking about this change, newly-appointed skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto highlighted the necessity of having a middle-order batter like Jaker.

"We have enough spinners. Rishad [Hossain] is bowling well. The reason to take Jaker Ali is because, I think, the team needs a middle-order batter. All selectors and coaches felt that another middle-order batter was required, and that's what led to Jaker's inclusion," Shanto was quoted as saying by Daily Star.

Also Read: Najmul Hossain Shanto on his goals as Bangladesh captain across formats

Saifuddin performed very well after returning from injury, there will be opportunities: Shanto

Moreover, Najmul Shanto touched upon the omission of in-form all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin from Bangladesh's squad. Saifuddin's outstanding outings in the recently-concluded BPL (Bangladesh Premier League) guided Comilla Victorians to the tournament's final.

Nonetheless, despite his commendable performances, the all-rounder failed to secure a spot in Bangladesh's squad. Skipper Shanto revealed that the team's physios expressed concerns about the potential risk of playing the in-form star due to his recent return from injury. They assured him that there would be numerous opportunities for the player, especially with the DPL (Dhaka Premier League) approaching.

"What I feel about Saifuddin is that he performed very well after returning from injury. But him playing such a series after coming back from injury, all of our physios felt it would be risky. Hopefully, he will continue like this, and there is a DPL [Dhaka Premier League] ahead, then there will be opportunities," Shanto concluded.