Now is the time to take responsibility: Litton

Bangladesh batter Liton Das stated that it was time for him to take responsibility for his game. The 29-year-old, who made his debut for Bangladesh in 2015, has struggled to establish himself as a reliable batsman across formats, despite being nearly a decade into his international career.

“I’ve been playing international cricket for nine or ten years now. I’ve gained enough experience. Now is the time to take responsibility. If not now, then when will I?” Liton told reporters on Tuesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, where the Tigers were training ahead of their India tour, beginning on 19 September.

Liton played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s historic Test series win against Pakistan, delivering a match-winning knock of 138 in the second Test. From a dire situation, with six wickets lost for just 26 runs, Liton’s patient innings steered his side to a more secure position, marking his fourth Test century. He also contributed with a half-century in the first Test, leading a counter-attack against Pakistan’s bowlers to help Bangladesh take the lead.

Throughout his career, Liton has faced criticism, and his selection in white-ball formats was recently questioned. Few can forget his ill-fated attempt to scoop during a T20I against Zimbabwe at home in May, which led to his dismissal in three consecutive games, or the rash shot that saw him charge down the pitch and throw his wicket away while Bangladesh were trying to save a Test against Sri Lanka in March.

While fans and management regard Liton as a supremely talented batter, his inconsistency has often been a source of frustration. His ability to play elegant strokes, combined with the ease with which he executes his shots, sets him apart from others. However, his failure to apply this talent consistently has led to disappointment.

Despite his lack of responsibility in white-ball cricket, Liton’s performances in Test matches have been more dependable. Since 2020, he has been the second-highest run-scorer among designated wicket-keepers, amassing 1,559 runs at an average of 48.71. Only Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan has scored more during this period.

When asked about his aggressive batting style, Liton downplayed the notion that his approach was overly attacking, comparing it to how the game is played worldwide. Ahead of the India series, he will need to be at his best to face one of the world’s strongest bowling units.

“I don’t play overly attacking cricket. I focus on scoring off deliveries in my scoring zones. In every format, it’s important to keep the scoreboard ticking. There’s a rhythm that comes with aiming to score off each ball,” Liton explained.

“I think the way I bat aligns with how players across the world approach the game. They play with an attacking mindset. In Test cricket, there are more attacking field placements, which increases the risk of getting out but also offers more scoring opportunities,” he added.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play two Tests and three T20Is against India, beginning with the first Test on 19 September. The Tigers, accustomed to playing with the Kookaburra ball, will face the challenge of adapting to the SG ball in India. The SG ball, with its more pronounced seam, provides greater grip for spinners as it ages and offers pacers more opportunities to utilise seam movement.

“The series in India will be a tough one for us. In preparation, we’re facing our main bowlers as much as possible in the nets,” Liton said.

“It will be difficult because with the Kookaburra ball, it’s challenging when the ball is new but easier as it gets older. With the SG ball, it’s somewhat easier when new but becomes more difficult as it ages,” he concluded.