Litton Das aims to regain his form ahead of the T20 World Cup
What is Bangladesh’s biggest concern ahead of the three-match T20I series in the USA, followed by the T20 World Cup?
Many would point to consistency at the top of the batting order, while others might argue about death bowling and fielding.
However, the most pressing issue remains the form of Litton Kumar Das, who is currently going through a lean phase, making him no longer a guaranteed starter.
Litton’s wicket-keeping has helped him retain his spot in the 15-member World Cup squad despite scoring just 79 runs in his last six T20Is.
He lost his place in the XI for the final two T20Is against Zimbabwe recently.
His last T20I innings against Zimbabwe raised eyebrows as he repeatedly attempted to scoop a fast bowler, only to fail.
“I don’t think there is anything to overthink during bad times because the more you overthink, the worse it will be,” Litton was quoted on BCB’s official Facebook page on Tuesday.
“The only option left is how hard you are working and how much importance you are giving in practice.
I think during bad times you need to be cool and calm without thinking too much and just focus on your cricket,” he said.
“A lot of people motivate me all the time.
I speak with a lot of coaches who encourage me, and my wife always motivates me.
You don’t need anything else.
“It is important to carry the performance in good times because you are playing well in one match, and a lot of things can go around your head, like ‘I am doing well,’ and you start having a careless attitude.
During good times, the one who works hard continuously and has a clear mind, like Towhid Hridoy who is playing well in the last couple of matches and carrying the momentum, is important,” he said.
Litton said the Bangladesh team has improved since the last T20 World Cup, admitting he has underperformed in recent global events.
“From the 2022 World Cup, our T20 side is quite balanced as we won a lot of series and are playing good T20 cricket.
We are not just winning; we are playing good cricket.
There will be pressure in the World Cup, but if we can play fearless cricket by remaining calm and cool without thinking about the outcome, I think we have a good chance,” said Litton.
“As a team, we could not achieve what we expected in 2021 and 2022.
In 2022, though we failed to win against any big teams, we didn’t do too badly.
Personally, my performances were not up to the mark.
If I haven’t scored 100 runs in the last two World Cups and this time I score 101 runs, I will have done better.
What I could not achieve, I will try to do better,” he said.
“The 2019 World Cup will be memorable for me, and it could have been more so if I could have won the game against India in 2022.”
Litton added that senior players Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah help juniors feel comfortable in the dressing room.
“I don’t feel seeing Shakib bhai that he is a very old player because the way he behaves is very friendly, and this is a big thing.
Riyad bhai is also friendly and they try to behave in a friendly manner with juniors who come into the national team.
Naturally, if I see that I am entering a dressing room where a player is playing international cricket for 15 years, there would be nervousness, but our senior cricketers never made us feel that way.”
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