Bangladeshi opening batter Soumya Sarkar believes the team needs to make a mental shift from T20 cricket to the ODI format as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
While teams like Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and England are preparing through ODI series, Bangladesh will enter the tournament straight from the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)—the country’s only franchise-based T20 competition.
“The format is totally different (playing BPL and playing in the Champions Trophy),” Soumya told in a recent interview after concluding his BPL campaign with Rangpur Riders.
“So, the preparation will not be the same. Still, everyone has been playing matches, and then training will start, where everyone will give their best,” he added.
“I hope everyone can mentally shift from T20 to the ODI format. Hopefully, we can perform well there as a team,” he said, adding that the wicket conditions varied at times in the BPL.
“There were lots of big hits, so one could say the wicket was good for batting. But when I played the first match in Mirpur, it was quite tough to bat on. I thought it was just that one game, but the next match had a really good wicket. The last game’s wicket was a bit tricky too. But overall, I would say the wicket was better than in previous editions,” he observed.
Bangladesh’s history in the ICC Champions Trophy has been filled with ups and downs.
The Tigers made their debut in the tournament in 2000, but their campaign ended in disappointment after losing both group-stage matches to England and New Zealand. Their struggles continued in 2002, as they were once again eliminated in the group stage.
The 2004 edition followed a similar pattern. Although Bangladesh secured a solitary win against the USA, losses to South Africa and West Indies meant another early exit. In 2006, they failed to qualify for the main round, suffering defeats to Sri Lanka and West Indies.
In 2009 and 2013, Bangladesh did not qualify, as the tournament was limited to the top eight ranked teams.
However, the 2017 Champions Trophy marked a new chapter. Bangladesh made history by reaching the semi-finals, proving their growth on the global stage. Their impressive run included a remarkable chase against New Zealand, where Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad guided the team to a memorable victory. They also defeated Australia due to rain interruptions, securing a spot in the final four. However, their campaign ended with a defeat against India in the semi-final.
Now, with the 2025 Champions Trophy approaching, the team is aiming to build on their past success, and Soumya remains optimistic.
“I always keep my expectations high. I want to play in the final and become champions,” he said.
“I will play every match to win, keeping the process the same and giving my best on the field. Since I will be playing for my country, I will give my all,” he added.
Bangladesh will rely on a blend of experience and young talent as they look to make a strong statement in the upcoming tournament. Players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Tamim Iqbal, who were key in the 2017 campaign, could once again play vital roles alongside emerging cricketers.
With the tournament set to feature the best teams in world cricket, Bangladesh will need to adapt quickly and ensure their mental and tactical approach aligns with the ODI format.
Courtesy: Daily Sun.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
