Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has explained the team management's decision to leave Soumya Sarkar out of the recent ODI series against Pakistan, despite the batter's strong performance in the previous series against West Indies.
Soumya had been one of Bangladesh's standout performers in the last ODI series against West Indies in October, even earning the Player of the Match award in the final game. His absence from the squad against Pakistan therefore raised questions among fans and observers.
However, Miraz clarified that the decision was part of a broader strategy to give consistent opportunities to players who are currently in rhythm.
"We want to give players more opportunities once they are selected. Soumya played very well in the last series, there's no doubt about that. But perhaps he has been slightly out of rhythm recently," Miraz said after Bangladesh secured a 2-1 series victory, after sealing 11-run win in the third ODI.
In recent domestic matches, Soumya struggled with form. He failed to score in double digits in three Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) one-day matches. Before the series began, he also managed only 11 runs from 22 balls in a warm-up match against the BCL All Stars XI.
Bangladesh therefore opted to open with Saif Hasan alongside the in-form Tanzid Hasan Tamim. The young opener did not play in the West Indies series but returned strongly against Pakistan and was named Player of the Series.
Although Saif Hasan scored just 4 and 12 in the first two matches, the team management chose to persist with him rather than bring Soumya back.
"If we had replaced Saif with Soumya, two things could have happened. Saif's confidence might have deterred, and if Soumya had failed as well, it could have been difficult for him too," Miraz explained.
The Bangladesh captain emphasized that the team wants to provide extended runs to players instead of making frequent changes.
"Our approach with the batters is that whoever gets an opportunity should get multiple chances. If someone doesn't perform over time, he will understand by himself that he may need to make way for another player," Miraz added.
The year is particularly important for Bangladesh in ODI cricket, with 19 matches scheduled. Maintaining stability in the batting lineup is seen as crucial as the team aims to climb the rankings and secure direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
"Ranking points are very important. We have to focus on qualifying directly for the 2027 World Cup. Every series and every match matters, so we will always think about how to win," Miraz said.
Following the 2-1 ODI series victory against Pakistan, Bangladesh are expected to move up to 9th place from 10th in the ICC ODI rankings. �"BSS
