Litton Das Open to Long-Term T20I Captaincy Role if Offered by BCB
Bangladesh's stand-in skipper, Litton Das, expressed his readiness to take on the long-term captaincy role for the T20I team, should the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) offer it. Litton, who previously led the side before being replaced, was given the captaincy again in the West Indies in the absence of regular captain Najmul Hossain, who was sidelined due to injury.
While the BCB handed the ODI and Test captaincy to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton was entrusted with the leadership in the T20I format, and he responded brilliantly. Under his guidance, Bangladesh completed a historic 3-0 series sweep over the West Indies, with Litton playing a key role in managing his team effectively.
It is understood that the BCB is looking for a long-term captain for the T20I side, with Najmul's fluctuating stance on leading the shortest format. Despite initially opting out of T20I captaincy, Najmul was later appointed for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, only to be injured during the tour.
Litton, however, made it clear that he would be happy to take up the responsibility if the board calls upon him. "If the BCB asks me to lead, I am ready to do it because there is no reason not to, and I am enjoying it," Litton said after the series win. He added that his experience and the growth of the bowlers made it easier for him to captain the side.
As a captain, Litton emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and accepting the result, regardless of the outcome. "I never said you have to give everything on the field. I just told the team that West Indies are a good side, but we’ll enjoy the cricket and take whatever result comes with a smiling face," he said.
Litton praised the Bangladesh bowlers for their outstanding performance throughout the series. "When the bowlers bowl well, it makes my job easier behind the stumps. They know the kind of field set-up they need, which helps a lot," Litton explained. He highlighted the growth of the bowlers, who took responsibility for their own field settings and skills, which has been a positive sign for the team.
Litton also echoed the sentiments of head coach Phil Simmons, who spoke about the confidence the team gained during the ODI series. "We played good cricket in the ODIs and Tests. We may not have won, but we were playing well. Everyone believed we were on the right track," Litton shared, praising Simmons for valuing players' experience and input.
He also credited batting coach Mohammad Salahuddin for the improvement in the team’s batting. "Salahuddin has made a big difference. He knows the players well, having worked with us at the domestic level and in the academy. His guidance has been invaluable," Litton said. The open communication with Salahuddin, who understands the players’ strengths and weaknesses, has been instrumental in the team's progress.
Litton also spoke about his own batting struggles across formats but expressed hope that with Salahuddin's support, he would soon overcome his lean patch.
With the series victory and his positive leadership, Litton Das has undoubtedly made a strong case for a long-term leadership role in Bangladesh’s T20I team.
Key Points:
- Litton Das is open to accepting the long-term T20I captaincy if offered by the BCB.
- Bangladesh completed a 3-0 series sweep under his captaincy against the West Indies.
- Litton praised the team’s bowling and batting units for their outstanding performances.
- He credited head coach Phil Simmons and batting coach Mohammad Salahuddin for the team’s development.
- Litton is optimistic about overcoming his own lean batting patch with continued guidance from Salahuddin.
