Litton Das set to take up middle-order role in ODI comeback against Pakistan

Bangladesh's senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin has confirmed that Litton Kumar Das will be demoted to the middle order in ODIs, stating that the "team is bigger than individuals".

Litton, who is returning to the 50-over format for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, is expected to bat down the order instead of opening, where he scored all five of his ODI centuries.

In a recent practice match against BCL All Stars XI, Litton batted at number five, indicating a shift from his preferred top-order position to anchoring the innings in the middle order.

Salahuddin explained the decision, noting a gap in the middle order following the retirements of experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah. He emphasized that Litton's experience is crucial to filling those roles.

"Litton's experience in the middle order is very important. If you look at his Test cricket record, it's outstanding—he bats at six there, sometimes five or six," Salahuddin said.

Since July last year, Litton had been dropped from Bangladesh's ODI plans, playing only three List A matches in the Bangladesh Cricket League, with scores of 10, 55, and 0. During this period, he remained active in T20s, playing 30 matches and scoring 696 runs at an average of 25.77 and a strike rate of 130.58, including five half-centuries.

Salahuddin expressed hope that Litton will settle into the middle order during the series, citing his past success in that role, such as a 90-run innings against West Indies in the 2019 World Cup while batting at number six.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's 15-member squad has arrived in Dhaka for the ODI series, scheduled at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on March 11, 13, and 15.