Mominul Haque steps down as Bangladesh Test captain

Mominul Haque has stepped down as the captain of the Bangladesh Test team after a string of poor scores this year and is willing to concentrate more on his batting. The left-hander averages just 16.20 in 2022, with 162 runs from six matches which are way below his usual standards, and to add to that, Bangladesh hasn’t been able to win Tests consistently under him.

With just three wins, 12 losses and two draws, Mominul felt the pressure on him being the captain and the decision did not surprise many as well. Bangladesh started the year on a brilliant note with a Test win in New Zealand, however, since then, Bangladesh has been on a losing streak and lost the series against South Africa and Sri Lanka.

I think it is best to quit the captaincy: Mominul Haque

Mominul mentioned his own form is hampering the team motivation factor and noted him not being in a place to motivate others. He also felt that the captaincy becomes a difficult option when the runs aren’t coming and decided it was best for him to step down. He added about focussing more on batting and felt the need for runs is adding the pressure on him. The southpaw mentioned the Bangladesh Board president wanting him to stay as well.

“When you play well, even if the team doesn’t win, you are still in a position to motivate them. I felt that captaining a side is tough when I am not scoring and team is not winning. I think it is best to quit the captaincy,” Mominul was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

“I feel I should focus on my batting. It wasn’t a hard decision. A captain has to contribute otherwise it brings a lot of pressure. The board president told me to stay on but I don’t want to be the captain,” he added.

It has been learnt that Shakib Al Hasan is likely to be the contender for the next Test captaincy, once his future with the Test side is decided.