Mominul Haque Not Ready For 'Unexpected Captaincy' But Relishes Chance To Take On Virat Kohli

Mominul Haque could be termed as Bangladesh's accidental captain. The left-hander, who has never led even a domestic team, has been thrust into the role of Bangladesh skipper for the upcoming two-Test series against India in dramatic circumstances. Mominul became the captain of the Bangladesh side in the aftermath of Shakib Al Hasan's two-year ban (one of which is suspended) for failing to report bookie approaches during the last three years. Mominul will captain Bangladesh for the two Tests against India, one of which will be a historic Day-Night Test at the Eden Gardens. Speaking to reporters on his arrival in India, Mominul said he was not ready at all for the role of captain but relished a challenge with Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team skipper.

"I was not ready at all. It was completely unexpected. I never thought even in my dreams that I will be the captain of Bangladesh or I will captain the Test side. I am very excited as I think Virat Kohli is the best player in the world, the best batsman in all formats combined. Thinking about that makes me feel good," Mominul said.

The second match will mark the inaugural day-night Test between the two sides, in Kolkata from November 22. Talking about playing his maiden day-night Test, Mominul said, "We have not played a Test under the floodlights and with the pink ball. It is a very good chance to play good cricket."  

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The left-handed batsman, who has played 36 Tests and scored 2,613 runs for Bangladesh, however, said the innovation would not affect his game. "I never considered captaincy as pressure or responsibility. If I keep thinking that as a captain I have to take extra responsibility to carry the team forward then I will be under some pressure. But if I play my natural game, and think that I am a batsman who needs to score for his team, then it will not have any effect," Mominul said.

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