Soumya hitting form at the right time

Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes hinted that Soumya Sarkar was hitting form at a very good time and his recent form could see him return to the Tigers' squad if he keeps performing.

Rhodes was delighted with Soumya's recent form. The left-handed batsman has not only been doing well with the bat but has also contributed with the ball in the ongoing National Cricket League. He picked up his second five-wicket haul in first-class arena yesterday against Rangpur Division. He also followed up his ton from the second round of matches to hit 76 and 71 in the first and second innings respectively in the third round of matches. His domestic form did not go unnoticed as Rhodes was delighted with Soumya.

"I was delighted that Soumya got two 70s and a five-wicket haul in the NCL game. So, the timing of him doing well is terrific. I was in contact with him about it as well," Rhodes said.

While there was no opportunity for Soumya were even the likes of Mominul Haque and Mosaddek Hossain returning to the side immediately, Rhodes said that in the near future he expected them to keep performing and think of the World Cup as well.

I think one of the difficult things one people go out of the squad is they feel lonely, down and disappointed. They feel neglected. Those are not the things we want from people like Soumya and Mominul. They are quality cricketers and there is plenty of time to push their way back into the squad.

Soumya would be leading the BCB XI against Zimbabwe in a practice game and Rhodes said he will be in attendance.

"Certainly, if you think about the World Cup as a target, there is still plenty of time. Mosaddek is another one who has gone out at the moment. I will be there at the practice game and looking at that game," insinuating that performances were not going to be overlooked.

"People often feel neglected when they go out of the squad. Mominul and Soumya are top cricketers and there is plenty of time to push their way back in the squad," Rhodes said.