After a humiliating 3-0 ODI series sweep by Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi — capped by a 200-run collapse in the final match — the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has overhauled its One-Day International squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies, starting October 18, 2025 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The changes aren’t just cosmetic. They’re a reaction to a batting lineup that looked broken, a bowling attack that looked tired, and a leadership structure that needed clarity.
Recall of Experience, Introduction of Youth
The most talked-about move? The return of Soumya Sarkar, the gritty left-hander last seen in ODIs during the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025. He missed the Afghanistan series due to visa issues — a bureaucratic hiccup that now looks like a blessing in disguise. Sarkar’s last ODI innings: 52 against Pakistan. His last five: 12, 8, 17, 4, 0. He’s not in form. But he’s been there. He knows how to anchor. And right now, Bangladesh needs someone who won’t panic when the scoreboard reads 67 for 5.Joining him is the fresh face of Mahidul Islam Ankon, the 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter who’s played just one Test — against South Africa in Chattogram in 2024. He’s not a flashy name, but he’s scored 82 in that Test, and his domestic numbers in the Dhaka Premier League have been quietly impressive. He replaces Mohammad Naim, who managed a paltry 7 off 24 balls in the final Afghanistan match, and Nahid Rana, who bowled 8.2 overs for 56 runs without a wicket — and didn’t even finish his spell. Was he injured? No one’s confirmed it. But the selectors didn’t wait to find out.
Who Got Left Behind — And Why
It’s not just about who came in. It’s about who stayed out. Naim, once touted as Bangladesh’s next big top-order hope, is out. So is Rana, the raw pace prospect. But here’s the twist: the selectors kept Najmul Hossain Shanto, Jaker Ali, and Shamim Hossain — all of whom have averaged under 25 in their last five ODIs. Why? Because in a team with little depth, they’re still among the most experienced. It’s a gamble. But it’s also a message: form matters, but so does composure under pressure. And nobody knows the pressure of playing for Bangladesh like these men do.Meanwhile, Litton Das — Bangladesh’s T20I captain — remains sidelined with a side strain from the Asia Cup. His absence leaves a leadership void in the white-ball setup, but it also opens space for others to step up. The wicketkeeping duties are now split three ways: Ankon, Jaker Ali, and Nurul Hasan. Three keepers for three matches? That’s not a rotation. That’s a safety net.
Leadership Reorganization: A New Order
The BCB didn’t just change the squad. It rewrote the leadership chart. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the off-spinner who’s been the team’s most consistent performer for years, is now ODI captain — a year-long appointment. His deputy? Najmul Hossain Shanto. That’s a reversal of roles. Just months ago, Shanto was the ODI captain. Now he’s the deputy, while leading the Test side. It’s a subtle power shift, but a telling one. Miraz, 27, is calm, cerebral, and respected. He doesn’t need to shout. He leads by example.In T20Is, Litton Das remains captain — until the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026. Then, Saif Hassan — the elegant top-order batter who’s been quietly brilliant in the shortest format — will take over. He’s been named vice-captain now, a quiet signal that the future is being mapped out, even in the midst of crisis.
What Comes Next — And Why It Matters
The three ODIs against the West Indies aren’t just about winning. They’re about rebuilding trust. The West Indies, despite their recent struggles, still possess explosive hitters like Shamarh Brooks and Rovman Powell. They’ll come to Bangladesh hungry to prove they’re not done yet. And Bangladesh? They’ll be playing for more than pride. They’ll be playing for relevance.The series ends on October 23. Then, on October 27, the T20Is begin in Chattogram. That’s just four days later. No time to breathe. No time to heal. Just pressure. And that’s exactly what the selectors want. They’re not trying to fix everything. They’re trying to find out who can handle it.
The spin attack remains untouched: Miraz, Rishad Hossain, and Tanvir Islam. The pace battery? Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed — Bangladesh’s two most reliable bowlers in the last two years. But without a top order that can post 250+, even Mustafizur’s variations won’t matter.
What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket
This isn’t a rebuild. It’s a patch job. And sometimes, patch jobs work. Look at India in 2011 — they kept Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar even when they were struggling, and it paid off. Bangladesh needs that kind of faith right now. The inclusion of Sarkar and Ankon shows they’re not just reacting. They’re thinking. They’re looking for balance — experience with youth, grit with potential.But here’s the real question: Is this enough? The Afghanistan series exposed more than poor batting. It exposed a lack of mental resilience. Can a squad reshuffle fix that? Or do you need something deeper — a coaching overhaul, a culture reset, a new mindset?
For now, the answer is simple: play. Win the first match. And then the next. One game at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Soumya Sarkar recalled despite poor recent form?
Sarkar’s recall isn’t about recent scores — it’s about experience. He’s played 67 ODIs and has the temperament to rebuild an innings under pressure, something Bangladesh’s current top order lacks. His last ODI knock of 52 against Pakistan in 2025 showed he still has the skill. The selectors believe his presence will stabilize the middle order, even if he doesn’t score big immediately.
What makes Mahidul Islam Ankon a worthy debutant?
Ankon’s sole Test appearance against South Africa in 2024 yielded 82 runs, and he’s been a consistent performer in the Dhaka Premier League, averaging over 45 in List A cricket. His ability to bat in the top four and keep wickets gives Bangladesh flexibility. With Litton Das injured and Naim out, he’s the most balanced option available.
Why were Najmul Hossain Shanto and Jaker Ali retained despite poor performances?
They’re among the few players with ODI experience beyond 10 matches. Shanto has captained the side before and knows the pressure. Jaker Ali, though inconsistent, has shown flashes of brilliance and is the most experienced backup wicketkeeper. The selectors are betting on their ability to bounce back under the spotlight — a gamble, but one born out of limited alternatives.
How does this reshuffle affect Bangladesh’s chances against the West Indies?
It improves their chances slightly — but only if the new top order fires. The West Indies have a dangerous top four and are playing for pride after a poor World Cup. If Sarkar and Ankon deliver, and Miraz’s spinners contain the middle overs, Bangladesh can win at least one match. But if the batting collapses again, even the best bowling attack won’t save them.
What’s the significance of Mehidy Hasan Miraz becoming ODI captain?
It’s a long-term signal. Miraz is the team’s most consistent performer across formats. Making him ODI captain — while keeping Shanto in Tests — creates clarity in leadership. It also reduces the burden on Shanto, who’s been juggling too many roles. Miraz’s calm demeanor and tactical acumen make him the ideal leader for a team trying to rebuild its identity.
Will Litton Das return before the T20 World Cup 2026?
It’s unlikely. His side strain is expected to take 6–8 weeks to fully heal, and he’s already missed the Afghanistan series. The BCB is prioritizing his long-term fitness over short-term returns. Saif Hassan’s vice-captaincy is a clear succession plan — meaning Das may not captain again until 2026, if at all.