Photo: Collected

DHAKA, March 16, 2026 (BSS)-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.