Litton shields Tigers from expectations storm

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:26 AM

Litton shields Tigers from expectations storm

Bangla Press Desk: Every time Bangladesh face an associate nation, or a side ranked below them, the Tigers carry the burden of expectation. The demand is simple: win every game. And when they stumble against a so-called ‘minnow’, the backlash is often fierce and unforgiving. Few know that better than Litton Das. The current T20I skipper saw it first-hand only a few months ago when Bangladesh slipped to a T20I series defeat against the UAE. Critics called it “the lowest of the lows”, the team’s character and commitment questioned from every angle. Yet when they bounced back to beat Pakistan at home last month, suddenly the storm passed and calm returned. Litton is well aware of how quickly the tide can turn.

With the three-match series against the Netherlands beginning on Saturday in Sylhet, he knows any slip-up could spark another wave of criticism, arriving at the worst possible time with the Asia Cup looming. Perhaps that is why he moved to shield his side during Thursday’s press conference. “In international cricket there is no small team. Bangladesh have lost to different teams before – nothing new. If we lose, we lose. What matters is how well we play.” The series against the Dutch is, in many ways, a dress rehearsal for the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi.

It offers Bangladesh the chance to fine-tune their combinations, but Litton stressed that winning remains the first priority. “Every international game is a challenge. If we get a chance to check a few players, we will. But at the same time, you play to win.” The Tigers have been in Sylhet for the past ten days, preparing on a surface Litton believes mirrors the conditions they will encounter in the Asia Cup. “Abu Dhabi will be batting-friendly, like Sylhet. Scoring 200–250 is also about building a habit. If we can, great. If not, we’ll still try to be consistent.”

Under the guidance of English power-hitting coach Julian Wood, the squad has been working to sharpen its batting edge. Litton admitted that wholesale changes are unlikely in such a short spell, but he welcomed the new ideas. “You can’t change everything in two or three days. But the new coach has given us fresh ideas in training. Let’s see how it goes once the matches start.” Preparation has not been without interruption. Rain has been a constant companion in Sylhet, and on Thursday the team were again forced to abandon their scheduled training. Litton, though, brushed it aside with typical pragmatism. “You can’t complain about the weather. Whatever the almighty gives, we accept.” For Litton and his Tigers, the challenge is clear. Against the Netherlands, it is not just about winning matches – it is about proving they can carry the weight of expectation without faltering. This article was originally published on Daily Sun.

[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]

Litton shields Tigers from expectations storm

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