Mominul Haque's steady influence behind the scenes has been pivotal in Bangladesh's recent Test cricket success.
The post-series celebration in Bangladesh saw minimal attendance, yet the team celebrated with energy. Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam willingly posed for photos, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto revved a motorcycle he had just claimed as part of his victory. Mominul Haque, however, remained understated, exchanging handshakes and smiles before retreating to the dressing room. His consistent habit of stepping back after delivering his on-field contribution has been his trademark over the past 13 years, even though his contributions are worth far greater attention.
Mominul’s tenure as Bangladesh’s Test captain began at one of the team’s most challenging moments. He assumed leadership during a period of adversity, later guiding the side to an unforgettable triumph in Mount Maunganui. His graceful exit from the captaincy in 2022 allowed him to focus entirely on his own performance, leading to his current role as a dependable batting mainstay and trusted advisor to the captain. He remains the most frequent participant among Bangladesh’s top Test performers in domestic first-class matches and has taken on a mentoring role for emerging batters across the country.
Mominul and Najmul Hossain Shanto forged two crucial century partnerships during Bangladesh’s first Test against Pakistan in Dhaka. These stands were vital as early dismissals plagued both innings, yet Shanto’s aggressive approach kept the pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers while Mominul’s measured approach provided stability. The contrast in their contributions was clear: Bangladesh’s batters from positions three to six collectively outscored Pakistan’s counterparts by 923 runs to 549, a factor that decisively shaped the match outcome. Mominul acknowledged the significance of these contributions, stating, "The runs have definitely made the difference." He added, "From what we have seen in Test cricket, sides that dominate in these areas of a match, they end up dominating the opposition, and more often than not, they win the Test series. Our next challenge will be to bat in this dominant manner on a regular basis."
Mominul’s recent string of consistent performances mirrors the start of his international career, when he compiled over 50 runs in 11 consecutive Test innings. He attributes this resurgence to a disciplined mindset and preparation. "I believe that the runs come because of how I prepare my mentality. I think when you know how to score runs, the process and game plan that works for you, when you have made everything part of your process, things become slightly easier. I wouldn't say that it is easy on every occasion you go out to bat; you face different situations and conditions. But the knowledge you have about your own game increases the probability of you doing well in the middle." He explained his approach to red-ball cricket, saying, "I am taking on challenges against the red ball, especially in the way I start my innings. There will be times when I have to hold my shots due to the circumstances. Then I know that a period will come when I can flourish. I think I understand these things better now. Once you accept that you can improve every day, you will keep getting better."
Mominul admitted that stepping down from the Test captaincy in 2022 helped him rediscover his passion for the game. "I wasn't enjoying cricket as much during that time [of captaincy]. I still have some responsibility as a senior player right now, but the enjoyment factor is really high these days. I have more chance of performing when I am enjoying what I am doing. I feel free. I can relax more. I can control much of my game," he shared. His focus has since shifted to contributing as a senior player, and he continues to guide younger teammates both on and off the field.
At 32, Mominul remains fit and capable of contributing in ODIs, where Bangladesh’s middle order has struggled in recent years. Though he has not featured in white-ball cricket for Bangladesh in eight years, selectors have yet to call him up despite his domestic performances in the Dhaka Premier League. He expressed readiness for such a call-up, saying, "If the opportunity arises, I definitely want to play ODIs. I regularly play in the Dhaka Premier League. I want to continue playing in the format. I don't think there are a lot of technical changes required to go from Tests to ODIs. A shift in mindset is all you need. There's definitely similarities between how you approach a Test and ODI innings. Those who bat against the new white ball, they play the first 20-30 balls like they do in red-ball cricket."
Mominul and Mushfiqur Rahim, the team’s senior-most players, have played pivotal roles in rebuilding Bangladesh’s top and middle order during a transitional phase. Mominul dismissed any notion of rivalry between them, stating, "Rather than competing with each other, I think we wish that the other person gets to score a century. Mushfiq bhai and I are the top two century-makers for Bangladesh, but look at how Shanto is going. I am pretty sure he will need fewer matches to score more centuries than us." He also praised Shanto’s leadership potential, saying, "There's a difference between a captain and a leader. Bangladesh needs a good leader, and I think Shanto is that. Mashrafe bhai was a good leader, which is why he found a lot of success in ODIs. Shanto has that leadership quality. He has good man-management skills. He knows how to manage each individual."
Mominul highlighted Litton Das’s importance to the team, describing him as an outstanding wicketkeeper and one of the best globally. "Litton is an outstanding wicketkeeper - one of the best keepers in the world. I always saw Litton as an improving cricketer. I think he always does better when he is batting with a higher strike rate. Maybe till a few years ago, he didn't know when to accelerate but those who bat in his position, at No. 6 or 7, need to have a good strike rate," he explained. Mominul emphasized the need for batters in lower positions to maintain higher scoring rates.
Mominul played a key role in revitalizing Bangladesh’s fast-bowling resources around 2018, when pace bowling appeared stagnant. As captain of the Chattogram Division and East Zone, he introduced more fast bowlers into domestic sides, even on flat tracks, to improve both batting and bowling standards. "Before the pandemic, I used to pick three or four fast bowlers in the Chattogram Division side almost regularly. Then I became the Bangladesh captain. We [have] won more Tests at home, so I thought we should start winning abroad [as well]. Spinners don't get much help on pitches overseas, so to win abroad we needed an improved fast-bowling attack." He believed game-time experience was crucial for bowlers’ development, saying, "A fast bowler usually does well by bowling ten or 15 overs in match conditions where he is facing a number of [different] circumstances, rather than bowling in the nets."
Bangladesh’s Test series victory over Pakistan in 2026 was the result of meticulous preparation that began months in advance. Mominul emphasized the importance of this groundwork, stating, "We didn't go into the Pakistan series with a lot of expectations but we had a very good preparation phase. The training over the last two or three months was worth it. The preparation ensured this performance. Without this type of preparation, you have fewer chances of better results on-field." He also credited the operations department and coaching staff for their behind-the-scenes efforts, adding, "It also takes a lot of people to get such a Test series win. The way our cricket board, especially the operations department and all the managers, ensured [we got] months of preparation, we have to give them due credit."