Yesterday during Bangladesh’s practice session, when Soumya Sarkar hit one of his signature lofted drives to the ground, spin instructor Rangana Herath and a few others scrambled out of the way.
It was somewhat unexpected to see the left-handed batsman training with the national team’s white-ball squad, given that he had been out of sight for some time. However, he may still be on Chandika Hathurusingha’s mind.
Soumya’s recent form may not warrant a revival, but oftentimes, and especially in the context of Bangladesh cricket, a player’s performance on the international stage can alter his fortunes.
Soumya was named to the squad for the forthcoming Emerging Teams Asia Cup, alongside a handful of other national team talents. Inferring between the lines, this is likely a reference to their performances in Sri Lanka. Yesterday, Mosaddek Hossain and Mahedi Hasan also trained with the national team alongside Soumya.
So close to the ODI World Cup, Soumya’s presence in the nets and the Tigers’ search for a number seven option, even in the capacity of a reserve, suggest that the left-handed batsman will be given an opportunity.
The 30-year-old is being considered for a role in the middle order at the impending Emerging Teams Asia Cup, according to a source close to the team. Prior to the World Cup, there may be an opportunity to establish a claim based on the team’s needs.
In response to Soumya’s provocative periscope shot, Hathurusingha summoned him in for a discussion. During his previous ventures into international cricket, it was these types of strikes that made Soumya’s name.
A team management source stated, “He didn’t work on anything specific, but he did bat with Hathurusingha as per the schedule.”
Before the Ireland series in May, the head coach stated that if Soumya “starts scoring, he will have a chance like everyone else in Bangladesh”
Soumya also bowled in the nets, with one delivery even beating Tamim Iqbal to all four corners. Following practice, Mehedi Hasan Miraz was asked how Hathurusingha was boosting the confidence of Soumya and other contenders for the number seven position.
Miraz identified clarity of instructions and player autonomy as fundamentals. “He consistently grants autonomy to all competitors. He instructs the players in the locker room to play their innate game. If someone makes an error, he informs us that perhaps this or that aspect could have been handled differently. However, he does not tell them a great deal because he gives them latitude. “Therefore, the players are never confused,” he explained.
If Soumya can produce performances and stake a claim following a poor spell, it could be another masterstroke from the Sri Lankan if the confidence booster has previously worked.