Fifty-Fifty Liton, Soumya Sarkar on Standby as Backup Option

Training for the Bangladesh team is in full swing in Chattogram, with a formidable opponent like Australia looming ahead. Yet, even on the eve of the series, one key question remains unanswered — will Liton Das lead the side in the first T20I? Although the captain appeared in the press conference, his own words made it clear that his participation is still not fully certain.

The three-match T20I series against Australia begins tomorrow. Ahead of the opening game, Liton addressed the media on Tuesday, but much of the discussion revolved around his fitness condition. He revealed that he has not yet fully recovered from the injury he sustained during the final ODI of the series.

In that match against Australia, Liton suffered a muscle strain in his leg while fielding. The injury forced him off the field. Although he later returned to bat, he was unable to continue fielding duties. Even after several days, the discomfort has not completely gone away.

Explaining his current condition, Liton said, “I am feeling much better than before. Compared to my earlier condition, I am in a better state now. But I will assess it today, and then again tomorrow before making a final decision about myself.”

This uncertainty from the captain has forced the Bangladesh team management to activate a backup plan. As a result, experienced batter Soumya Sarkar has been called up to the national squad just before the start of the T20I series. Although he had not yet arrived in Chattogram at the time of the press conference, he is expected to join the team on Wednesday morning.

Liton himself clarified that his fitness situation is the main reason behind Soumya’s inclusion. According to the captain, it is still impossible to say with certainty how things will unfold.

He said, “The reason Soumya has been included in the squad is that I myself was in a fifty-fifty situation. It is not possible to say exactly what will happen right now. We will have to wait at least until tomorrow.”

However, it is not only Liton’s fitness that has raised concerns. Another player, Parvez Hossain Emon, is also dealing with a minor illness. To avoid being caught short at the last moment, the team management decided not to take any risks. That is why an experienced cricketer was added to the squad in advance.

Explaining the decision, Liton added, “Apart from that, Emon also has a minor illness. So we did not want to take the risk of suddenly calling someone up when needed. That thinking led to Soumya being included in the squad.”

Soumya has not yet joined team training, but the captain remains hopeful that he will be fully available very soon.

On his availability, Liton said, “He may not be able to train today, but from tomorrow he will be fully integrated with the team.”