‘Excited’ Liton optimistic of Tigers’ chances against India 

Bangladesh ODI captain Liton Das anticipates an even contest as the Tigers take on India in the first of the three-match ODI series at the Sher-e-Bangla National stadium in Mirpur tomorrow.

According to Liton – who assumed the role of captaincy following regular skipper Tamim Iqbal's injury, ruling the experienced campaigner out ahead of the series -- Bangladesh have what it takes to overcome the India challenge at home.  

"First of all, I would like to thank the BCB for giving me such a huge opportunity. I am very excited. I will try to give my best. Obviously, India are a big team but we are also a good team at home," Liton told reporters ahead of the series today. 

Apart from Tamim, the hosts will also miss the in-form quick Taskin Ahmed, but for the first ODI only.

"Definitely we will miss two of our important cricketers but we still have enough good players in our team," the 28-year-old added.  

Liton has led Bangladesh before, but in the T20 format. It was back in 2021 in New Zealand after regular skipper Mahmudullah Riyad was injured. Liton termed his previous captaincy phase as 'vacation' as he was handed the role suddenly.  

"The first one was more of a vacation (captaincy). I got the news of the captaincy this time as you guys got. Every player's dream is to play for the national side and the biggest dream is to lead the country," he said.  

Bangladesh can derive some inspiration from their last home series against India in 2015 where the Tigers won the three match ODI series 2-1 courtesy of Mustafizur Rahman, who turned out to be a revelation in the series.  

Although Liton informed that the Indians will have the upper hand since they have just played the ODI series in New Zealand, the stylish batter also added that the Tigers will be upbeat in front of the home crowd.  

According to Liton, his journey in international cricket so far has been "interesting and filled with ups and downs" since making his international debut in 2015, but the cricketer has performed consistently across all formats and his batting prowess has earned plaudits from all over the world.