Focus on off-spin
Major changes are unlikely when the national selectors decide on the squads for the limited-overs series against South Africa as the team has been in good form.
But few are likely to be left out due to injury problems.
Pacer Taskin Ahmed is likely to miss the two-match T20I series due to a side-strain and his availability for the three-match ODI series will also depend on his progress.
Pacer Abul Hasan, who was in the team for the Tigers in the last T20I against Pakistan which they won by seven wickets at Mirpur in April, is unlikely to retain his place in the side but the team think-tank is more concern with the fitness of Mahmudullah Riyad.
Without the all-rounder, the World Cup hero who missed the Indian series due to a finger injury, Bangladesh won the ODI series but the team management is desperately looking for an off-spin option against South Africa, against whom the Tigers are planning to take a different strategy.
The name of Shohag Gazi also has come into discussion. But the concern of course is whether he can bowl the same way as he did in the past after remodeling his action. How ready he is to return to action after a long gap is another concern that will be talked about, as he played his last ODI in August last year against the West Indies.
Gazi may get a chance to prove his worth against South Africa in the T20 warm-up match to be held in Fatullah on July 3.
The practice match will also be important for Riyad, who will begin batting on July 1. If he feels comfortable then there is a chance for him to play the lone T20 practice match. The team management will be happy if the all-rounder is at least available from the ODI series.
Shuvagoto Hom is the other option. When it comes to Test cricket, the selectors have loved to consider him as a specialist off-spinner.
Leg-spinner Jubair Hossain, who was suddenly called up for the third ODI against India, is also in consideration for the T20I and ODI series. Taskin's injury was a setback but as the team is planning a different strategy against South Africa they are more concerned with their spin options.
The selectors will sit today to decide on the squads for the T20I and ODI series.
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