For batters, the hardest part of international cricket is not just scoring runs—it’s doing it often enough, in the right moments, to convince selectors you belong in the XI. That dilemma has become a talking point for Bangladesh with Soumya Sarkar after he missed out during the three-match ODI series versus Pakistan at home. The opener had arrived with momentum, having struck a match-winning 91 against West Indies in the last fixture of Bangladesh’s previous home ODI series, but the call-up did not follow for the Pakistan games.
Key takeaways
- Soumya Sarkar was unable to secure a place in Bangladesh’s playing XI during the ODI series against Pakistan at home.
- Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan said the team still views Soumya as part of its plans ahead of the New Zealand ODIs.
- Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hasan are currently Bangladesh’s preferred opening combination going into the New Zealand series.
- Tanzid delivered key contributions versus Pakistan in February, including a 107 in the third ODI to clinch the series.
- Mehidy stressed that batters need both form and opportunities, while also noting how smaller early runs can ease pressure on the team.
- In an intra-squad practice match, Saif made 138 not out and Soumya scored 55 off 85 balls.
Mehidy backs Soumya as competition rises for New Zealand ODIs
As Bangladesh look toward their upcoming ODI assignments against New Zealand, the pressure on selection has only increased. Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons had previously underlined that Soumya must keep pushing himself to earn his spot again after the Pakistan series. Building on that message, captain Mehidy Hasan added that the experienced top-order batter remains firmly within the squad’s thinking, even with new challengers pushing for roles.
Mehidy highlighted that the opening positions are currently being led by Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hasan. That pair has offered Bangladesh solid momentum, leaving Sarkar to wait for an opening if the batting order shifts or if results force changes.
How Tanzid and Saif’s Pakistan form shaped the selection picture
Tanzid’s February run against Pakistan impressed selectors. In the first ODI, he struck a brisk 67 to steer the chase and help Bangladesh reach the target. He then carried his form into the decisive third match, registering his maiden ODI century with a 107 that played a major part in finishing the series in Bangladesh’s favour.
Saif Hasan, meanwhile, had a tougher time against Pakistan, with returns of 4, 12 and 36 across his three appearances. Despite that uneven stretch, his confidence appeared to be returning. In an intra-squad practice game, Saif posted 138 not out from 133 balls, offering a strong signal that he can still deliver at the top.
Mehidy on batting form, partnerships, and keeping players motivated
Speaking on the bigger selection question—when exactly a batter should lock in a place—Mehidy pointed to the value of being in rhythm and getting consistent chances. He noted that Bangladesh’s opening stand in their most recent series went past the 100-run mark, describing it as a meaningful advantage for the team.
He also drew attention to how early dismissals can create pressure. While large scores often get remembered, Mehidy argued that innings-building contributions like 10, 20 or 25 can still swing matches by reducing risk and stabilising the chase or the set target. His message was that selection and evaluation should consider the wider impact of those innings phases, not only the final totals.
Crucially, Mehidy said Soumya should not take the Pakistan omission as a final judgement. He expressed the belief that every player will receive a fair opportunity, adding that squads inevitably go through cycles of form and players who have shown potential may not always be firing at the same time. He acknowledged that there have been instances where such players were dropped in the past.
As captain, Mehidy said he intends to manage that reality carefully—ensuring players like Soumya do not feel cast aside. He emphasised that the plan is for them to keep training with the group, have access to the right facilities to improve, and return with greater confidence when their chance arrives.
Whether Soumya gets a role in the New Zealand ODIs is still unclear, but his performance in the intra-squad contest suggested he is not out of sorts. He made 55 off 85 balls during that practice match, keeping his case alive as Bangladesh weigh up the options for the next series.
