Litton Das Set for Middle-Order Role in ODI Comeback Against Pakistan

Bangladesh’s star batter Litton Kumar Das is poised for a significant positional shift as he prepares to return to the 50-over format for the upcoming series against Pakistan. According to senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, the team management has decided to utilize Litton in the middle order rather than his customary opening slot.

The decision, grounded in the philosophy that “team is bigger than individuals,” aims to fill the void left by the retirements of experienced campaigners Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah. Salahuddin emphasized that Litton’s experience is crucial to stabilizing the middle order, drawing parallels to his success batting at No. 6 in Test cricket.

Litton recently batted at No. 5 in a practice game against BCL All Stars XI, signaling the team’s intent. While all five of his ODI centuries have come as an opener, Salahuddin expressed confidence in his ability to adapt, recalling his impressive 90-odd knock against West Indies batting at No. 6 during the 2019 World Cup.

Litton last played an ODI in July 2025 and has been sidelined from the format since. He has, however, remained active in T20 cricket, featuring in 30 matches during this period and scoring 696 runs at a strike rate of 130.58.

Bangladesh will host Pakistan in a three-match ODI series, scheduled for March 11, 13, and 15 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The Pakistan squad arrived in the capital on Sunday for the series.

                                               

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