Dhaka, Feb. 25 -- Despite repeated failures, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has defended senior players Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riayd.

Bangladesh's hopes in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 were dashed after consecutive losses to India and New Zealand, leading to their elimination alongside Pakistan.

In the must-win clash against New Zealand, Mahmudullah, returning from a calf injury, scored just four runs, while Mushfiqur managed only two, failing to provide stability in the middle order.

Their dismissals came at a crucial stage, derailing Bangladesh's hopes of setting a more challenging total.

However, Najmul dismissed suggestions that the senior players were given automatic selections.

"There is no automatic choice ...