Wicketkeeper batter Litton Das heads into the West Indies tour, starting with the first Test on Friday in Antigua, as one of the few experienced batsmen in the squad, alongside Mominul Haque. The absence of key players like Mushfiqur Rahim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Shakib Al Hasan has left Bangladesh in a challenging position, especially given their recent struggles in the Caribbean.
With the inclusion of Shahadat Hossain Dipu and Mahidul Islam Ankon, the responsibility now lies heavily on the shoulders of Mominul and Litton to guide a relatively inexperienced batting line-up against the West Indies' pace attack. Litton's recent form, however, has been a cause for concern. Since his impressive performances against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, his contributions have dwindled, managing only 45 runs in his last six innings. His track record in the West Indies is also less than stellar, averaging just over 21 in eight innings.
Despite missing the Afghanistan ODIs due to illness, Litton remains a pivotal player for Bangladesh across all formats. His explosive 32-ball 61 in Lauderhill in 2018 was instrumental in securing a T20I series win for Bangladesh, and he will be keen to replicate such form in the upcoming Tests. His prolific run during the 2021-2022 season, where he averaged over 46 in Tests, highlighted his potential as a key figure in the batting line-up.
The presence of Mohammad Salahuddin, Litton's coach from Comilla Victorians, in the national coaching staff could be a significant boost. Litton has been seen engaging in detailed discussions with Salahuddin, which could help him regain his form and confidence.
Litton's inconsistency has been a major talking point in the context of Bangladesh's national team. The mental aspect of his game appears to be an area that needs attention. At Sonnet Cricket Club, where Rishabh Pant developed his skills, the focus is on both technique and mentality. This dual approach could be beneficial for Litton as well.
In modern cricket, mental resilience is as crucial as technical proficiency. Players often struggle with confidence after a poor performance, and it's essential to address these challenges head-on. Litton's potential is undeniable, and with the right support and guidance, he can overcome his current struggles.
With Salahuddin now part of the coaching team, there is a renewed focus on the batting department. This tour presents Litton with an opportunity to rediscover his form and reaffirm his place as a vital member of the Bangladesh team.
