Coach Phil Simmons refuses to give up on struggling captain Litton Das as Bangladesh fights for survival against Sri Lanka. The veteran mentor believes his skipper can bounce back from a devastating slump that has lasted several months. Simmons told reporters during Saturday's media session that Das just needs his confidence restored. The head coach remains convinced that hard work will eventually pay off for the embattled batsman. He expects Das to showcase his true talent during Sunday's crucial encounter.
Das has endured a nightmare run across all white-ball formats since earlier during the year. The wicketkeeper-batsman managed just 13 runs during his last eight one-day international appearances. Selectors excluded him from February's Champions Trophy squad because of his poor form. The team brought him back later for more playing time but his troubles continued. His recent first-ball dismissal against Sri Lanka resulted in immediate exclusion from the remaining ODI matches.
The captain's Twenty20 performances have been equally disappointing for Bangladesh supporters. Das contributed merely six runs from eleven deliveries during the opening T20I defeat at Pallekele. Critics blasted his approach after teammates Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon provided a strong foundation. His Pakistan series struggles also featured similar low scores of six and 22 runs respectively. Bangladesh must win Sunday's 7:30 PM clash to keep their series hopes alive.
Das has endured a nightmare run across all white-ball formats since earlier during the year. The wicketkeeper-batsman managed just 13 runs during his last eight one-day international appearances. Selectors excluded him from February's Champions Trophy squad because of his poor form. The team brought him back later for more playing time but his troubles continued. His recent first-ball dismissal against Sri Lanka resulted in immediate exclusion from the remaining ODI matches.
The captain's Twenty20 performances have been equally disappointing for Bangladesh supporters. Das contributed merely six runs from eleven deliveries during the opening T20I defeat at Pallekele. Critics blasted his approach after teammates Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon provided a strong foundation. His Pakistan series struggles also featured similar low scores of six and 22 runs respectively. Bangladesh must win Sunday's 7:30 PM clash to keep their series hopes alive.
