Litton Das replaces Mehidy Miraz as Bangladesh's ODI captain in surprise leadership shake-up

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made a major leadership change by appointing Litton Das as the new captain of the national ODI team, replacing Mehidy Hasan Miraz in a decision that has surprised many in the country's cricket community.

The move comes only a few months after Miraz had been entrusted with the ODI captaincy on a long-term basis, making the latest decision one of the most unexpected changes in Bangladesh cricket this year. The board has now opted to return to a split-captaincy model, with Litton leading the white-ball side while Najmul Hossain Shanto continues as the Test captain.

Litton will now captain both Bangladesh's ODI and T20I teams, giving him full responsibility for the country's white-ball cricket. Meanwhile, Towhid Hridoy has been named the vice-captain of the ODI side, indicating that the selectors are also preparing the next generation of leaders.

Although the BCB has not publicly cited a single reason behind Miraz's removal, the decision appears to reflect a broader strategic shift rather than a reaction to one particular series or performance. The board may believe that having one captain for both limited-overs formats will provide greater continuity in team planning, player management and tactical preparation ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

For Litton Das, the appointment represents another opportunity to rebuild his leadership credentials. Widely regarded as one of Bangladesh's most gifted batters, Litton has previously captained the national side in different formats and is respected for his calm temperament and modern approach to the game. However, he will also face the challenge of improving his own batting consistency while leading a team expected to undergo gradual transition over the next two years.

Miraz, on the other hand, remains one of Bangladesh's most valuable all-rounders. Despite losing the captaincy, he is expected to continue playing a vital role with both bat and ball. His experience and leadership qualities are likely to remain important inside the dressing room.

The captaincy change signals the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh cricket. Whether the decision proves successful will ultimately depend on Litton's ability to unite the squad, deliver consistent performances, and guide the Tigers towards sustained success on the road to the 2027 World Cup.