Bangladesh T20I captain Litton Das has opened up about his stint in the Indian Premier League, describing it as a period where he felt he didn’t receive the kind of backing he expected from Kolkata Knight Riders. Litton, who was with KKR during IPL 2023, says the franchise neither communicated with him clearly about his chances nor made him feel that his role was essential to the side. His lone IPL contribution so far came in a match against Delhi Capitals, where he managed 4 runs.
Litton’s KKR experience: “They didn’t really need me”
Speaking on Bangladesh Cricket’s “Char Chokka” podcast, Litton took aim at the way KKR handled communication around his playing time. He claimed that his time with the franchise left him feeling undervalued and uncertain about when he would be involved in the playing XI.
- Litton said he felt KKR “didn’t really need” him and that the team support was not what he expected.
- He argued that players are typically informed ahead of a match if they are going to play the following day.
- He said he had been sitting out for two games without any discussion about his role.
The late message and the match that defined his IPL so far
According to Litton, his preparation for the next match changed abruptly. He revealed that, late at night, he received a message informing him that he would be part of the lineup.
- Litton stated that at around 11 PM he received a text saying: “You will play.”
- He added that he tried to bring maximum energy to the game, but the next day didn’t work out for him.
- Opening the batting, he scored just 4 runs, including one boundary.
- He summed up the day by saying sometimes outcomes fall in your favour and sometimes they don’t—and that it “wasn’t” his day.
After the IPL: exit from KKR and status for future seasons
Following that match, Litton left the KKR camp and returned to Bangladesh due to a family emergency. Later, ahead of IPL 2024, KKR released him, and he has not been picked in any auction since then.
- Litton returned to Bangladesh after the match because of a family emergency.
- KKR released him ahead of IPL 2024.
- He has not been selected in an auction since that release.
Bangladesh connections with KKR, and the Mustafizur update
Litton’s comments also come against the backdrop of KKR’s history with Bangladesh players. The franchise has featured a number of them over the years, with star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan among the most prominent—winning two titles with KKR.
Looking ahead, Mustafizur Rahman was once expected to play for KKR in IPL 2026, but his path with the franchise reportedly shifted after a BCCI directive, following diplomatic tension between India and Bangladesh.
- KKR have had several Bangladesh players in their IPL history, including Shakib Al Hasan, who won two titles with the franchise.
- Mustafizur Rahman was expected to play for KKR in IPL 2026.
- He was released after a BCCI instruction amid diplomatic tension between India and Bangladesh.
