Akbar Ali turns setback into a challenge for his next comeback 

Akbar Ali has chosen a simple response to a frustrating period in his career: improve, perform and force his way back into the conversation.

The former Bangladesh Under-19 World Cup-winning captain was left out of the national, 'A' and Emerging teams during a busy stretch of Bangladesh cricket, despite leading Rangpur to both the National Cricket League T20 and four-day titles last season.

The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter admitted that the omissions hurt, but he has refused to look for explanations outside his own game.

"It felt bad as an individual, and I think it should feel bad as a player when you're not selected," Akbar said. "But at the same time, I see this as a bigger challenge for me this year."

Akbar said he had spoken to the selectors about the areas where they wanted him to improve. He described the conversation as positive and said he now wants to turn that feedback into performances.

His approach is notable because several opportunities opened up for players across Bangladesh's representative teams over the past few months. Akbar, however, said selection remained the selectors' decision and that there was little value in dwelling on what might have been.

"I could have been there, but again, it's the selectors' call," he said.

Instead, he wants to make his next opportunity difficult to ignore.

"What I can control is performing well in the matches ahead and putting my name back on the table," Akbar said.

He is also prepared to change his role if that helps his case. Usually batting lower in the order, Akbar said he is willing to move up to No. 5.

That willingness could become important as Bangladesh continue to widen their options across formats.
For now, Akbar's route back is not through a complaint or a demand for selection. It is through runs, consistency and a stronger all-round contribution.

The next chapter, he believes, is something he can still shape himself.