Revealed: Why Bangladesh Have Dropped Litton Das For 2nd ODI vs Sri Lanka

Litton Das has been dropped for 2nd ODI vs SL [Source: @AkshayTadvi28/X]

In a significant development, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first in the second ODI against Sri Lanka. At toss, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz revealed that the visitors would bat first in order to make the best use of the conditions at R. Premadasa Stadium. 

Why Have Bangladesh Axed Litton Das From Playing XI?

In a major decision, Bangladesh have roped in Shamim Hossain, dropping ace batter Litton Das for the second ODI against Sri Lanka. The Tigers have made two big changes, replacing Litton and Taskin Ahmed with Shamim and Hasan Mahmud, respectively. 

Taskin bagged four wickets in the previous match. However, considering he recently recovered from an injury, Bangladesh have rested him to manage his workload with multiple crucial assignments, including the Asia Cup, coming up. 

Meanwhile, the same thing can't be said for Litton, who has been struggling with a persistent lean patch in ODIs. In the first ODI against Sri Lanka, the right-handed batter was dismissed for a four-ball duck by Wanindu Hasaranga. 

In his last six ODI innings, Litton has managed only six runs at a horrendous average of 1. Thus, he might've been dropped due to poor form, with Bangladesh aiming to stabilise their middle order in the format. 

Also, his exclusion from the playing XI could be a strategic change by Bangladesh to accommodate a left-handed batter to counter the Lankan spin duo of Dunith Wellalage and Hasaranga. 

Bangladesh Playing XI For 2nd ODI vs Sri Lanka

Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali (wk), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud

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