Aoba Tanaka 
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hasan has suggested resting Litton Das for the forthcoming second Test against Sri Lanka, slated to commence at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium from March 30.
Despite Nazmul’s recommendation, Litton Das finds himself in the 15-member squad announced by the BCB national selection panel just hours after the president’s proposal was made public at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Das, who has been grappling with a slump in form, faced intense scrutiny during the second innings of the recent match. His dismissal, attempting an ill-advised shot in the face of a precarious batting situation, drew sharp criticism.
Addressing reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Nazmul expressed disappointment with the team’s performance, emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset and shot selection, especially in the context of Test cricket.
Acknowledging Das’ talent and past contributions, Nazmul highlighted concerns about his recent form and hinted at a potential break from the game to address underlying issues.
“We have been observing his performance since the last World Cup, and there are evident signs of struggle. Despite his capabilities, his inconsistency led to his exclusion from ODIs,” stated Nazmul, emphasizing the significance of the decision to drop Das from the shorter format.
Nazmul emphasized that Das’ inclusion in the Test squad was influenced by the absence of senior players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, underscoring the team’s reliance on his batting prowess.
While Nazmul’s remarks signal a potential hiatus for Das, further discussions among the selection panel will determine the final decision. The BCB president’s call for introspection underscores the board’s commitment to addressing performance issues and ensuring the team’s competitive edge in upcoming fixtures.
