‘Bangladesh is very close to my heart’

English cricketer Robin Das caught the attention of fans worldwide when he, a then 19-year-old, came onto the field as a substitute fielder in place of Matthew Potts in the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's in June last year.

The joyful stutter in his walk and the smile of sheer excitement, which he tried to hide with a smirk, made everyone notice the Leytonstone-born Englishman. But the interest was particularly high amongst Bangladeshi fans who later got to know that Robin has Bangladeshi heritage as his father was born in Sunamganj, Sylhet.

The right-handed batter will now look to test his trade in Bangladesh after Bangladesh Premier League franchise Dhaka Dominators drafted the 20-year-old for the ongoing edition.

"I was very happy when I got to know that I would be playing in the BPL. I was looking forward to playing in such a league," Robin told the Daily Star.

Robin's budding years in cricket have now brought him to Bangladesh and the batter revealed that this journey is not only a professional one but one of an emotional connection as well.

"Bangladesh is very close to my heart because my father is from this country. I have a lot of relatives in Bangladesh and I have come here a lot, but this time to play cricket. Everyone in my family feels proud of the fact that I got the opportunity to play mainstream cricket in Bangladesh. We love this country," he said.

An aggressive top-order batter, Robin showed glimpses of his talent in the recently concluded Royal London Cup.

Although the Essex batter will be playing for Nasir Hossain's Dhaka, he revealed upon his arrival to Dhaka that his favourite cricketer is Bangladesh's Liton Das and that he is looking forward to meeting him.

"My favourite cricketer is Liton Das. He was very successful last year in all three formats. I think he is an unbelievable cricketer. I really like watching him play. I haven't met him yet but I'm waiting," he said.

Robin, who plays in the top order, said that he was given a warm welcome by his coaches and teammates of Dhaka, who got their campaign off to a winning start with a six-wicket victory over Khulna Titans.

"I've met all the players too and they've really taken me well. They wanted to know a lot about me. Overall, it's a very good atmosphere," he said.

The England team had several players of Indian or Pakistani ancestry but have never had someone of Bangladeshi heritage represent the English Lions before. Though he came on as a substitute fielder, he was an exciting first for fans who enjoyed watching him try hard to hide the butterflies in his stomach.

Despite his Bangladeshi connection, Robin said his aim was to play for England.

"It is of course a difficult challenge but I want to play for England. I have to rise to the challenge and reach new heights in order to play for England and I want to go there, that is my aim," he said.

Robin landed in Dhaka on Saturday and will be in contention to get picked for Dhaka Dominators' fixture against Sylhet Strikers on Tuesday.