Shanto feels becoming a father has led to his batting fortunes changing

Najmul Hossain Shanto had to endure a lot of criticism for not getting runs with the bat. Bangladesh's team management has also been criticised for giving opportunities to the left-handed batter on a regular basis. However, times have changed since the last T20I World Cup. Shanto, who scored the highest number of runs for Bangladesh in the World Cup, also became the highest run-scorer in the last Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Since then, this Bangladeshi top-order batter has been consistently scoring runs in all three formats in international cricket. The left-handed batter, who scored 89 in the first match of Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, played a top innings of 104 runs against Afghanistan.

Shanto is now set to captain the ODI side for the first time in the third match against New Zealand on Tuesday. The Bangladesh batter, who came to the press conference as the captain on the day before the third ODI against New Zealand, spoke about becoming a father as the reason for his change in fortune.

After becoming a father, Shanto played two very good innings in the Asia Cup, after which he had to return home due to injury. Returning to the team after injury, that too as a captain.

"It seems to me that (my boy has changed my fortunes). Especially last year, everyone told me, especially my family members. I myself think that he is very lucky for me."

Shanto is enjoying the time very much: "Alhamdulillah, I am enjoying it. All in all, the last year after becoming a father is going well. Hope to keep this thing going for as long as possible."