Litton Das Returns to ODI Squad, Set to Bat at No. 5 Against Pakistan

Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons has confirmed that Litton Das will bat at No. 5 in the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. This is a significant change, as Das has mostly batted in the top four throughout his ODI career. Simmons believes Das' experience and proficiency against spin bowling make him a good fit for the middle order, which has been a weak point for Bangladesh. Das, who returns to the ODI fold after a nine-month hiatus, has struggled with form, failing to reach double figures in his last eight innings. However, Simmons is confident that Das will thrive in his new role. Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons has confirmed that Litton Das will bat at No. 5 in the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, starting March 11. This change comes as Bangladesh overhauls their stagnant middle-order, with Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah no longer around. Das, who returns to the ODI side after a nine-month hiatus, has struggled with form, failing to reach double-figures in his last eight ODIs since December 2023. However, Simmons believes Das' ability against spin makes him an ideal fit for the middle-order role. Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons has revealed that Litton Das will bat at No. 5 in the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, citing his experience and skills against spin bowling as key factors. Das, who returns to the ODI side after a nine-month hiatus, has struggled with form, failing to reach double-figures in his last eight ODIs. Simmons believes Das' ability to handle spin will strengthen Bangladesh's middle order, a position that's been a weakness for the team. "He has been comfortable batting anywhere," Simmons said. "I think he's a lot more relaxed with his game and he sees it as an opportunity to do what the team needs of him. We didn't have to convince Litton for anything. All we asked was, 'this is what the team needs', and he was happy to do it. He is happy to do anything for the team, when he is captain, he's happy to do it for us now. So, we didn't have to convince him for anything." Das last batted at No. 5 in the 2019 ODI World Cup and has mostly batted in the top four throughout his ODI career. Simmons is confident that Das will thrive in his new role, saying, "He is also one of our better players of spin bowling. The middle order has been one of our Achilles heels. So, him going down there with his experience and his skills, hopefully we can get what we need there".