Are Litton Das and Naim Sheikh Back in Bangladesh's ODI Squad for Sri Lanka?

Dhaka, June 23 (NationPress) Litton Das and left-handed opener Naim Sheikh have been summoned back to Bangladesh's ODI lineup for the forthcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 16-member squad on Monday.

The ODI series is set to occur from July 2 to 8, with the initial two matches taking place in Colombo and the final ODI scheduled for Pallekele.

Naim makes his return to the one-day format after almost two years, while Litton rejoins alongside several other well-known players. In addition to Litton and Naim, Shamim Patwary, Tanvir Islam, and Hasan Mahmud have also been reinstated to the team.

From the roster that last appeared in the Champions Trophy, veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah have since retired from ODIs, while Soumya Sarkar and Nasum Ahmed have been excluded.

Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman are also back in the squad after recovering from injuries that sidelined them during the recent T20I series.

Naim, who made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in Sylhet in March 2020, has participated in eight ODIs and amassed 95 runs. BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain remarked that Naim’s enhanced intention and approach at the crease were pivotal in his selection.

"Naim has demonstrated that he can bat with the same vigor as our (recent) white-ball openers," Ashraf stated. "He has performed admirably in the Dhaka Premier League. We also have someone like Soumya Sarkar, who boasts a decade of international experience. (He has been dropped because) we are keen to assist him in making a full recovery so he can return effectively."

Regarding Litton's return, Ashraf noted, "Litton Das was experiencing a rough phase, but time is the greatest healer. He is the T20 captain, so we can keep him in consideration until the next T20 World Cup," Ashraf explained. "If someone needs to regain form, it is most beneficial to spend ample time in the middle. We believe that Litton can transition his form from ODIs to T20Is."

Ashraf clarified that five fast bowlers were added to the squad to manage the workloads of Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana.

"We have included five fast bowlers in the ODI team, as Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed are returning from injuries. We are also cognizant of Nahid Rana's workload management, so we have sufficient options available," he mentioned.

Bangladesh squad for the Sri Lanka ODIs: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.