Photo: Collected
In terms of popularity in the country’s cricket, Sabbir Rahman has a distinct standing. Still waiting to return to the national team at the age of 34, the batter has once again caught the selectors’ eye with his recent performances. However, he did not find a place in the squad announced for the Asian Games.
T20 captain Litton Das has now opened up about the possibility of Sabbir’s return. It is clear from his words that Sabbir is still in the national team’s thinking. However, among the cricketers for the same position, the team plans for now to give more opportunities to Yasir Ali Chowdhury Rabbi.
Litton said, ‘He is in everyone’s thinking: the selectors, the coach and me. The spots are open for those who bat lower down. Whoever does well will get the chance. Rabbi has come into the side after a long time and did well in Zimbabwe. Naturally, he has more of a chance.’
He added, ‘There are three or four players who can bat at number 5-6. We will give them chances in rotation. The effort will be to play whoever does well, whoever seems suitable.’
Meanwhile, pace-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has been ruled out of the Asian Games due to injury. Litton said a decision on who will replace him has not yet been made.
The captain said, ‘I also know Saifuddin has got injured. The selectors will decide who goes in his place. They will let it be known very soon.’
Litton does not see enough options at this moment in the case of pace-bowling all-rounders either. He said the situation is somewhat difficult as all three all-rounders who were in the last squad are injured. However, the coaches are working with a few young cricketers and the Bangladesh captain hopes to get something good from them within the next one to one and a half years.
