Can Soumya find form?
Soumya Sarkar will forever be indebted to the Dhaka Premier League (DPL). His fluent footwork and good run in the league last season were both noticed and he was drafted into Bangladesh's World Cup 2015 squad.
In fact, the day the national squad was announced -- January 4, 2015 -- Soumya had hit a brilliant 91-ball 97 to lead Prime Bank Cricket Club to the trophy. The squad was announced moments after Soumya secured the win, and the player could barely control his emotions during the post-match press conference back then.
A year on and the left-hander now faces a new challenge. There's no doubt that the year 2015 was brilliant for him internationally. However, he struggled towards the end and failed to replicate his performances in domestic cricket.
His lack of form eventually hurt him and the national team during the World Twenty20. The team didn't receive the impetus that one would have generally expected from the bat of the left-hander as they crashed out in the Super 10 stage.
In a bid to make a fresh start, Soumya has turned to his roots. He will be playing for the Legends of Rupganj this season, who have their first game against Mominul Haque-led Victoria Sporting at BKSP today.
“I have been working very hard for the past few days. I have tried to fix my mistakes and also learn from them. Practice was good, but what matters is the real game. Let's see what happens tomorrow,” a cautious Soumya told reporters during training yesterday.
“We can definitely be champions with this team. But first, we need to start well. If we can win the first few matches, then we can become champions,” he added.
His opposing captain, Mominul, faces a similar issue. Although he did well in the recently concluded Bangladesh Cricket League, he is desperate to garner attention in the shorter format.
He hasn't been in touch with the national team for the last few months and is extremely keen to utilise this league and make the most of it.
At the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Imrul Kayes's Brothers Union will take on Mushfiqur Rahim-led Mohammedan SC.
Both sides look equally balanced. Brothers have a strong batting lineup with the likes of Shahriar Nafees, young Zakir Hasan and Tushar Imran, while their bowling attack is also quite experienced with Mohammad Shahid and Nabil Samad.
Mushfiqur's Mohammedan also has a decent setup with the likes of Sakat Ali, Enamul Haque jr and Nazmul Hossain Milon.
For Mohammedan, the key will be their wicketkeeper-batsman, Mushfiqur. The Test captain hasn't enjoyed the last few months as much and will hope that a change in format, from T20 to 50-over cricket, can help him rediscover himself.
At Fatullah Kalabagan Cricket Academy, a side which includes the inspirational under-19 captain, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, will take on Mahmudullah Riyad's Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club. Sheikh Jamal definitely look stronger on paper, but one can never underestimate the power of the youth and that's what KCA will be counting on.
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