Soumya believes top-order is his place
On his return to the national team after taking a break to tie his knot, Soumya got his place at no. 3 back and played a fantastic knock of unbeaten 62 off 32 deliveries.
In Bangladesh's latest T20I series in Pakistan, Soumya Sarkar had to play down the order. Because the squad was packed with openers and as Soumya had played at no. 4 or no. 5 in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL). As a result, Soumya, who had made his name playing at the top of the batting order, failed to show his array of shots as he had very few balls to face. And the death over pressure from the necessity to hit boundaries instantly made it even tougher for him.
On his return to the national team after taking a break to tie his knot, Soumya got his place at no. 3 back and played a fantastic knock of unbeaten 62 off 32 deliveries. His innings helped Bangladesh put up a huge total and later on win the match and also brought Soumya the man of the match award.
In the post-match press conference, Soumya said that he felt that it was the top-order which was his place in the team.
"Of course. I have always played up the order. Sometimes I played in no. 6 to fulfil the team's requirement. I have tried to prove myself wherever I played. I played at no. 3 after long a time. I had the wish of getting my spot back," the left-handed batsman said.
He further added that he has played up the order all his life but will try to perform anywhere he is played by the team management.
"It is not that I like to play in the top-order but I have always played there. I don't have any problem playing in different positions to meet the team's demands. Wherever I get the opportunity, I will try to perform," added Soumya.
Bangladesh now have a big pool of openers to choose from as Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Naim Sheikh, Imrul Kayes, Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Soumya himself are there with performances worthy of a place in the best eleven. Soumya believed that this was good for the team as whoever plays well will get the nod.
"If everyone scores runs, then it is good for the team, being in the team becomes challenging. Naim (Sheikh) has played well, I played well today at no. 3 to retain my spot. You will have to play well to stay in the team," he added.
Bangladesh will face Zimbabwe in the second T20I of the series and the last match of the tour on Wednesday at Mirpur.