Litton Das had a notable performance scoring 94* against West Indies in the 2019 ODI World Cup while batting at No. 5. However, in recent matches, he has struggled, failing to reach double figures in his last eight ODI innings.
Recent Development
In a significant move, Litton Das will bat at number five in the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. This change was confirmed by Bangladesh’s coach, Phil Simmons, who believes that this adjustment will benefit both Das and the team.
Phil Simmons highlighted that the middle order has been a persistent issue for Bangladesh, stating, “The middle order has been one of our Achilles heels.” He expressed confidence that the switch to No. 5 would provide a more stable batting lineup.
Coaching Insights
Simmons noted that Litton Das has previously batted at this position before the 2019 ODI World Cup, suggesting that he is familiar with the role. He remarked, “He has been comfortable batting anywhere,” indicating that Das’s versatility could be an asset in this new position.
Moreover, Simmons pointed out the challenges faced by wicketkeepers who open the batting, particularly after keeping for 50 overs. He stated, “It is difficult for a wicketkeeper to open the batting after keeping for 50 overs,” which further supports the decision to move Das down the order.
According to Simmons, Litton Das was receptive to the change, saying, “We didn’t have to convince Litton for anything. All we asked was, ‘this is what the team needs’, and he was happy to do it.” This willingness reflects Das’s commitment to the team’s success.
Looking Ahead
As the series against Pakistan approaches, observers will be keen to see how this change impacts both Litton Das’s performance and the overall effectiveness of the Bangladesh team’s middle order. Phil Simmons remains optimistic that this strategic adjustment will yield positive results for the team.
