It happens in life, says Shakib on Test captaincy

Recently appointed Bangladesh Test captain Shakib al Hasan believes it’s a new responsibility for him and said he is looking forward to it. He also said light-heartedly that his experience of being removed from captaincy the last time around is very much in the past now. The BCB named Shakib as captain, replacing wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, after its meeting Sunday. Shakib was first handed the captaincy in 2009. Later, he was removed from the post in 2011. Under Shakib’s captaincy, Bangladesh played nine Test matches, winning once. Shakib, who is the captain of BPL franchise Dhaka Dynamites talked with the media during training at Mirpur Academy Ground in Dhaka Sunday. During his interaction with the media personnel, Shakib shared his thoughts on being given the responsibility of leading the Tigers in the longer version.

Congratulations @Sah75official, new Test Captain of Bangladesh team. pic.twitter.com/XgfxbXeYKv

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) December 10, 2017

Here are the excerpts of his conversation:Reaction on Test captaincyNew responsibility. We are playing well in Tests in the last few years. We have won Tests against Sri Lanka, Australia and England at home. So our aim is how far we can improve as a Test team from this point. It's tough to say how much change will come at first. But it's important to adjust to the situation first.Previous captaincy experienceI don’t know what happened last time (smiles). What happened?You were removed from captaincy last time...It's all right. Many things happen in life.New challengeI don’t know at the moment. At the moment I am concentrating on BPL. Once BPL finishes, when the national team camp starts, then I will see how many challenges are there. When plans will be set in place, then I can know about the challenges.Bangladesh have many away series in near futureEvery tournament and series is tough in international cricket. Whether it is on home or away. Perhaps we are more comfortable in home series. As we do not have that much success in away tours, so it becomes difficult for us. At the same time, it's a good chance for us to perform well away as we have many away tours ahead. It's tough. But the way we are playing, and with the talent we have in our team, a lot of improvements can be done.

Congratulations to No.1 Test All-Rounder, @Sah75official on being named the new Bangladesh Test captain. His first assignment will be against Sri Lanka in January 2018. ?

Best wishes from #KKR family. ?#AmiKKR #KorboLorboJeetbo pic.twitter.com/pCSb3myKTc— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 11, 2017

Difference between 2011 and 2017You guys can answer it better.You wanted six-month leave from Test cricket. What happens now?Let's see what happens…Chandika Hathurusingha apparently said a lot of things...I should not comment on that. It’s his personal comment.Your take on decision to appoint Mahmudullah vice captainWe have some senior players in the squad who are leaders. And we take decisions together often. It's not important who remains captain or not. When we start playing on the field, everyone’s assistance will be required. And Riyad bhai is captaining his side brilliantly in BPL the last few years. He has leadership quality for many years now. So I think my task will be easy when he is the vice-captain.

.@Sah75official declared #Bangladesh #Testcaptain https://t.co/eB8eqHFFFm

— DhakaTribune (@DhakaTribune) December 10, 2017

Last time you were captain, it was kind of a one-man show. Now the team have many performers...Obviously it will be easier this time. Nowadays almost every cricketer is performing consistently. When players perform, captain’s job becomes easier. I hope everyone will perform. When everybody performs, ultimately the team are benefited.Your decision to take break from Test cricket did not go down well with Hathurusingha...No comments on that.Thoughts on Test championshipIt's tough for me to predict the future. I can only think about what is next to me.Captaincy was expected or not...I don’t expect anything. And I also don’t leave anything either. It's good it has come my way, but it would also have been okay if it didn't come.Enjoying national team captaincyI believe, it’s a matter of responsibility more, rather than enjoying. I will definitely try to fulfill my duty as captain in best possible way.