Bangladesh heads into their T20I series against Sri Lanka with more questions than answers.
Bangladesh’s batting is under the microscope after a 99-run defeat in Pallekele sealed their third straight ODI series loss in nine months. Now, all eyes turn to T20I captain Litton Das. The man who was left on the sidelines for the ODIs returns to lead a team desperate for a win, and Litton, who has battled his own form issues lately, is well aware of the pressure.
“For me, every series and every match is important,” he said during a media interaction in Pallekele. “Wherever I’m on the field, I put in my best effort. That’s all that’s in my control. But sometimes, failures come.”
Since October, Litton has scored 218 runs in 12 T20Is at an average of 18.16. Under his captaincy, Bangladesh has lost their last two T20I series — against the UAE and Pakistan.
Litton sat out the third ODI against Sri Lanka, choosing instead to train with the T20I squad. “I didn’t play good ODI cricket, and that’s why I was on the bench,” he said. “During that time, I practiced for T20Is, and I will try to use that preparation.”
He also sees this series as an opportunity to rebuild his standing in the ODI side. “They gave me chances in ODIs, but I couldn’t capitalise. Hopefully, I’ll score in domestic cricket, and maybe they’ll call me again. I’ve been playing T20Is, and I hope I can make a comeback.”
His comments came shortly after chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain defended the decision to include Litton in the recent ODI squad despite his recent struggles.
“Litton had some time to work back into form after the Champions Trophy,” Ashraf said. “He played well in the Test series [against Sri Lanka], and given the gaps in our middle order, we felt his experience could help.”
The pressure was on Litton to be more than just a batsman; he was expected to fill a void left by three legends at once. The simultaneous absence of Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, and Mushfiqur Rahim had ripped the heart out of Bangladesh’s middle order, and the selectors looked to him as the answer.
“We picked him based on what we needed,” Ashraf added. “Performance is not always about stats. Sometimes it’s about confidence from the selectors and team management.”
While Litton’s numbers may not reflect it, Ashraf emphasized his long-term value. “He’s served Bangladesh cricket for ten years. He’s one of our finest batters. We want to take responsibility for his selection.”
The first T20I in the three-match series starts Thursday. Whether Litton can steer the team through a difficult stretch — and revive his own form — remains to be seen. But for now, he remains at the center of Bangladesh’s plans.
