In the past few months, Bangladesh's Test team has looked like two different teams: strong when they're playing away from home, but weak when they're playing at home.  As they get ready to play Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series that starts on April 20 in Sylhet, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto says that they are aware of their home problems but are still hopeful that things will improve.

Even though the Tigers have won some big games away from home recently, like a 2-0 win over Pakistan and a famous win in Jamaica against the West Indies, their home form isn't as good.  It's been four home Tests and Bangladesh hasn't won any of them. Both South Africa and Sri Lanka beat them easily.

Speaking ahead of the Sylhet Test in a pre-match press conference, Shanto was candid about the team’s shortcomings on home turf. “We didn’t play good cricket at home last year. Our plans didn’t work out. This year, it’s about correcting those mistakes and getting better results,” he said. “Winning away is tough, so the fact we’ve done that gives us hope we can do the same at home too.”

Shanto also touched on the broader vision for Bangladesh’s Test culture—a subject that has drawn criticism despite recent improvements. “Even after so many years of playing Test cricket, when people still question our Test culture, it’s disheartening,” Shanto admitted. “We won four matches out of 12 in the last WTC cycle—all against strong teams. Since then, we’ve had real conversations on how we want to build this team. Our new coach has shared his plans with us, and we’ve given our inputs too.”

“We have five to six Tests this year, and I hope you’ll see something new from us, Insha'Allah,” he added.

Turning his focus to home conditions, Shanto emphasized the importance of infrastructure and consistency. “We need better practice wickets—ones that match what we’ll face in international matches,” he explained. “Also, when a player fails, we must stand by him. I believe the board will support the players. And as teammates, we need to do the same.”

The team’s preparation in Sylhet has been smooth so far, according to the captain. “We had quality practice sessions in the past 6-7 days. The facilities and pitches were spot on, just like we wanted. Credit to the Sylhet ground staff for that. I’m hopeful we’ll get a good match wicket too.”

Sylhet is known for its bouncy tracks, and Shanto hopes this Test will reflect that character. “Sylhet wickets are usually bouncy, and I’d love to see a true-bounce wicket in the match too. Rain is out of our control, but as professionals, we have to adjust. We can’t let rain be an excuse.”

The first Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe begins on April 20 at 10:00 AM, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.