The explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Kumar Das is prepared to bat at any position, given he gets a place in the playing XI in the Test match against India. His journey with the national side began last month when he was named in the Test squad that played Pakistan, but although he only warmed the bench, this time his chances of replacing his skipper behind the wicket looks bright.
Regular wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim, suffering from a finger injury, is most likely to skip his duty with the gloves which opens the door for Liton.
“I am looking forward to giving my best performance if I get the opportunity to play the Test match against India. Though Mushfiq bhai’s injury is not a good news for us but at the same time he will play a big part with the bat which will surely boost our confidence,” said Liton to Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
The selectors also showed faith on the 20-year old and it was only a wise decision to pick Liton ahead of Anamul Haque, who just regained fitness after sustaining a shoulder injury during Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign in Australia-New Zealand.
With a staggering average of 85.33, five centuries and three fifties the right-handed opening batsman scored 1024 runs in seven matches for Rangpur division to finish on top of the National Cricket League’s run-scorers’ list. Playing for Abahani, Liton was the second highest run-getter in the Dhaka Premier League with 686 runs in 16 matches.
However, the national team is a place which often saw many talented players come and go without justifying their talent. If Liton plays, he will be taken out of his comfort zone and probably bat down the order at No 6 or 7.
“I am used to open the innings in all formats of the game but I am ready to bat at any position if the team combination requires me to. I am willing to contribute for my team. And as a batsman it’s my duty to bat at any position, though I am more comfortable opening the innings,” he said.