Bangladesh announce ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series, Litton Das makes a return

Bangladesh have announced their ODI squad ahead of the three-match ODI series that is expected to commence on July 2 at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The out-of-form wicket-keeper batter Litton Das has been recalled for this series and will be a part of the white-ball setup for Bangladesh. Unlike the case with the Test series, Bangladesh have appointed a new white-ball captain. The spin-bowling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has not featured in the Test series, will take over the captaincy duties from Najmul Hossain Shanto and lead the Tigers in the ODI series.

Additionally, the team had to make five forced changes following the departure of veteran cricketers Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim from the ODI format. Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, and Tanvir Islam are the other three cricketers apart from Litton Das who have been recalled ahead of the series. Naim's last appearance in the ODI format was in 2023. Besides, Shamim's last appearance in this format also came way back in 2023. However, Islam has not featured for Bangladesh in this format and gets a maiden call-up on the back of just six T20Is. 

See also: Bangladesh set to boycott their tour to Pakistan amid tensions with India

Litton gets another opportunity despite his poor run in ODIs

While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, BCB Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain confirmed that Litton will be a part of Bangladesh's white-ball setup for the upcoming ODI series. Although the Chief Selector is fully aware of the batter's stark drop in form, he remains hopeful of a turnaround and believes that he has what it takes to regain his lost form.  

"Litton Das was in a bad patch but time is the best healer. He is the T20 captain, so we can consider him till the next T20 World Cup. If someone has to return to form, it is best to spend a long time in the middle. We feel that Litton can take his form from ODIs to T20Is."

In the last eight ODIs, Litton has only managed 35 runs between the tours of New Zealand in December 2023 and the West Indies in December 2024. Due to his poor run, Litton missed out on a spot for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Bangladesh squad

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud