Bangladesh were dealt with a major body blow as vice-captain Litton Das has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023. Das, who is one of the most bankable batters for Bangladesh in recent years, did not travel with the team to Sri Lanka on August 27. Das was scheduled to join the team on August 28, but he has not joined due to fever not subsiding.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also contemplated adding a replacement for Das but refrained from adding anyone to the 15-member squad till last minute. But As per reports from BCB today, they have named replacement as Anamul Haque Bijoy will join as the wicketkeeper batter.
Haque has featured in 44 ODIs for Bangladesh scoring 1254 runs, which includes three centuries. The wicketkeeper batter last featured in ODI match against India in 2022.
The Chairman of the Bangladesh’s Selection panel Minhajul Abedin commented on Das’ unavailability, stating the below:
“He (Anamul) has been in the runs in domestic cricket and we have continued to monitor him in the Bangladesh Tigers programme. He was always in our consideration. Due to Litton’s unavailability, we needed a top-order batter who could keep wicket and Anamul got the nod,” as reported by PTI.
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Litton Das: Das ruled out of Asia Cup, Anamul Haque Bijoy joins squad ahead of Bangladesh’s first game
Das’s absence from the Asia Cup comes as major setback for Bangladesh, who aim to fix combinations ahead of the World Cup 2023. Not only Das is Bangladesh’s most dependable batter, but he also provides team ample balance owing to his wicketkeeping skills.
Over the last one year, Das contribution in the middle order has been vital in Bangladesh performing well in ODIs. With Haque added to the Bangladesh squad, it remains to be seen the position he bats. Bangladesh kick off Asia Cup 2023 campaign by playing against Sri Lanka on August 31.
Bangladesh’s updated Asia Cup 2023 squad:
Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Anamul Haque Bijoy
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