Despite being Bangladesh’s standout batter in the ongoing series against West Indies, Rishad Hossain was not sent out to bat in the crucial Super Over during the second ODI, a decision that raised many eyebrows. Bangladesh eventually fell short by one run while chasing 11, leading to questions over the team’s selection in that high-pressure moment.
Soumya Sarkar, who batted in the Super Over along with Saif Hassan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, clarified that the decision was made entirely by the team management.
“That was the coach and captain’s plan,” Soumya said in the post-match press conference. “It was part of their strategy. They thought of sending out the main batters.”
Rishad had earlier played a blistering innings, scoring an unbeaten 39 off just 14 balls with three fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 278.57. He also contributed a quick 26 off 13 in the first ODI. His exclusion from the Super Over left fans and analysts puzzled, especially after such impactful performances.
Soumya offered further explanation, pointing to the team’s tactical thinking around batting combinations.
“This was not something we all thought about,” he said. “It was the coach and captain who made the call. We did not know Akeal Hosein would bowl the Super Over. If two left-handed batters had gone in and they had brought on an off-spinner, we could have been in trouble. That is why they opted for a left-right combination.”
He added, “If you look at the opposition as well, they also used a left-right combination in their batting. The decision was entirely up to the coach and captain.”
While the decision remains debatable, Soumya’s comments made it clear that tactical planning and match-ups, rather than recent form, played the key role in shaping Bangladesh’s Super Over batting order.
