Since taking over as captain, Litton Das has been carefully shaping Bangladesh’s T20 team. From the first assignment in the UAE, which ended in disappointment, to the whitewash in Pakistan, followed by a historic series win in Sri Lanka and revenge at home against Pakistan, Litton’s tenure has seen ups and downs. Whether he deserves a perfect score is for you to judge, but the right-hander has done well in keeping the team together.
Ahead of him lies the challenge of the Asia Cup. Before that, Bangladesh will play a three-match T20 series against the Netherlands in Sylhet. The squad for that series has not been announced yet, while the Asia Cup squad is expected to be revealed by 22 August. Miraz has taken leave, so the series squad will include only potential Asia Cup players.
Openers
Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Tamim are confirmed openers. The discussion now revolves around the backup opener, with either Soumya Sarkar or Naim Sheikh likely to be included. According to BCB sources, Naim is the frontrunner for the backup opener role.
Soumya could also earn a place in the Netherlands series squad because of his right-handed pace bowling and lower-order batting, but for the Asia Cup, selectors may prefer giving Naim another opportunity. However, Soumya’s recent form in the Top End T20 has been unconvincing.
Middle order
Even though a preliminary squad exists, Nazmul Hossain Shanto’s return to the main team is unlikely due to batting position conflicts—he usually bats at number three, a spot occupied by captain Liton. That said, Shanto has worked separately in the nets with coach Sohel Islam during the fitness camp.
There is also discussion about Nurul Hasan Sohan, who has been out of the national team for a while. However, he is unlikely to feature in the squad, as Jaker Ali Anik already serves as the wicketkeeper-batsman alongside Litton. Finding a place for Sohan would therefore be difficult for selectors.
Pace and spin options
The Asia Cup squad is likely to include four pacers: Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Shoriful Islam. Hasan Mahmud may be left out of consideration. Pace-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin is almost certain to be included. Spin options are expected to be Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Nasum Ahmed.
Other considerations
In the middle order, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik and Shamim Hossain have been regular members of Litton’s team. However, considering recent batting form, there is some uncertainty over Mehedy Hasan Miraz’s inclusion.
probable asia cup squad
Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Liton Das (captain), Naim Sheikh/Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali Anik, Mohammad Saifuddin, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam