Litton Kumar Das, the established wicket-keeper batter for Bangladesh, is keenly focused on the future. While the Test series win against Pakistan was a milestone, it’s just part of the past now, he stressed. As he revealed during a Tuesday press conference at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, the team is now pivoting towards the upcoming India challenge.
Undoubtedly, their win over Pakistan was of importance, yet for Litton, the team needs to focus on moving forward. Their gameplay against India, kicking off on September 15th, is the new focus point.
Days away from Bangladesh’s matches against India, Litton has offered his thoughts. The upcoming games feature two Tests and three T20 Internationals on Indian turf. Bangladesh is sailing on a wave of positivity after their first Test series victory over Pakistan. Still, this 29-year-old wicketkeeper batter asserts that it’s vital for them to shift gears and concentrate on the formidable task at hand.
“Our performance against Pakistan was pretty good. But that’s history now,” mentioned Litton. “Clearly, it’s critical we put the Pakistan matches behind us. It would help if the media did not discuss it excessively too. We’re gearing up for an exciting, tough series with India.”
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Litton Das: Facing a Formidable India at Home
Everyone knows India holds a strong position when playing at home, particularly in Test cricket. Litton Das admits playing against India at home isn’t easy, warning that Bangladesh is up for a tough match. He conveyed that India’s home superiority is reputed, yet, the series presents Bangladesh with a chance to demonstrate their ability.
“Facing India on their turf, their superiority shines,” he expressed. “I can’t call it an extreme test or mere child’s play. India’s prowess on home soil is recognized. Their ranking speaks volumes. Hence, I anticipate a stimulating series for us.”
Litton highlighted the significance of using past successes as a confidence booster. However, he reminded everyone that facing India is a unique test.
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Adapting to the SG Ball – A Key Challenge
Excitement stirs around Litton Das and his team’s upcoming series in India. There’s a switch in the kind of ball they’ll play with. No longer the Kookaburra ball they used against Pakistan. Now, it’s the SG ball. Adjusting to this new ball is going to be a big test for them, Litton admits.
“We’ll see changes with the ball too,” he noted. “The SG ball isn’t something we’re used to, it’s tricky. Our team is working tirelessly to adapt. Playing with the Kookaburra early on is hard, but it gets simpler as it ages. But, the SG ball is a different story, it’s simpler to start with, but gets tougher as it ages. We’re training and will deal with what comes our way.”
The SG ball, infamous for a distinct seam and lasting longevity, brings unique difficulties for batters, especially on spin-friendly fields like in India.
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Focusing on Winning Sessions in Test Cricket
Litton Das said we should think about winning the whole series against India, not just bits of it. He thinks the start of each day is really important. If Bangladesh can kick off each day with a win, they can get ahead.
“We need to win sessions in Test cricket. They all count,” Litton noted. “Looking back, we’ve never really given our best in the opening sessions. This could be better.”
He mentioned that kicking each session off strong is key for the team, especially when playing tough opponents like India.
Taking Responsibility as a Senior Player
In cricket, Litton Das is not a newbie. He’s been with the national team nearing 10 years, and now, he knows his role has shifted. Litton realizes he’s got to bear a bigger share of the batting burden. Yet, he’s also aware that he’s capable of errors.
“My cricket career spans a decade, so I got skills,” shared Litton. “The time has come to level up. If not now, then when? However, it’s not as if I’m a superhero in every game. Everyone fumbles sometimes.”
India’s cricket landscape poses a demanding test for Bangladesh, and Litton’s skills and nerves are important, specifically in the middle lineup. He typically teams up with Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, both major players in the game.
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A Positive Approach in Test Cricket
Litton Das emphasizes proactive cricket, especially in Test matches. He feels it’s crucial to capitalize on chances to add runs and keep that scoreboard moving. Litton acknowledges the shift in modern Test cricket towards a more aggressive style, yet he maintains a careful approach towards striking a balance.
“I don’t play extremely aggressively,” Litton clarifies. “I aim to generate points from the opportunities that seem profitable. In recent two Test matches, we hit a point where scoring became a challenge. Since I took the bat, I opted for a run-per-ball tactic, sparking a rhythm in our gameplay.”
Litton mentioned that sharing the crease with players like Mehidy Hasan Miraz or those batting last often nudges him towards a bolder approach, preventing a stagnation in his team’s score.
Conclusion
Bangladesh is getting ready for the India series. Litton Das is looking at what’s to come, showing their team won’t just live off old success. Their win against Pakistan was big, but India’s tough team and the challenge of the SG ball are their main thoughts. Litton’s push for responsibility and winning in each cricket session shows that Bangladesh wants to leave a strong impression in India, despite future hurdles.
