.svg){kind=small}
Litton Kumer Das, a name that has become synonymous with the future of Bangladeshi cricket, is a wicketkeeper-batsman who has shown immense promise and potential. Born on October 13, 1994, in Dinajpur, a northern district of Bangladesh, Litton Das has carved a niche for himself in the cricketing world, not just in Bangladesh but on the international stage as well. With a right-hand batting style and the ability to bowl right-arm off-break, he has showcased his versatility on the field. But it's his prowess behind the stumps and with the bat that has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Hailing from Dinajpur, which is approximately 331 km from the capital city of Dhaka, Litton's journey into the world of cricket began at a young age. His adolescent years were spent at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), a renowned sports institute in the country. It was here that Litton's talent began to shine, impressing many with his consistent run-scoring in school and age-group cricket.
His performances did not go unnoticed, and he was soon selected for Bangladesh's Under-19 team in 2012. This was a significant milestone for any young cricketer coming from BKSP. Litton's talent was further highlighted when he consistently scored heavily in Youth ODIs. His prowess was evident in two Under-19 World Cups in 2012 and 2014, where he averaged an impressive 51.33, including a century and three half-centuries.
Litton's entry into domestic first-class cricket came in the 2011-12 season. Even though he managed to score a century and a fifty in his second season, his participation was limited due to preparations for the 2014 Under-19 World Cup held in the UAE. However, the 2014-15 season was a turning point for the young cricketer. He emerged as the second-highest scorer in the Dhaka Premier League playing for Abahani. This was followed by him being the top-scorer in the National Cricket League (NCL), the premier first-class tournament of the season.
These consistent performances in the domestic circuit paved the way for Litton's entry into the national side. He was first called into Bangladesh's T20 squad to face Pakistan in April 2015. This was quickly followed by his Test debut against India in Fatullah in June 2015. The same series also saw him making his ODI debut against India.
Litton Das's journey from a young boy in Dinajpur to representing Bangladesh on the international stage is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and undeniable talent. As he continues to play, fans and experts alike eagerly watch, hoping he will be the torchbearer for the future of Bangladeshi cricket.
Litton Das's international journey has been punctuated with several standout performances and milestones that have etched his name in the annals of Bangladeshi cricket.
Maiden ODI Century in Asia Cup Final: One of the most memorable moments in Litton's ODI career came during the 2018 Asia Cup final against India. He scored a scintillating 121 off 117 balls, marking his maiden ODI century. Although Bangladesh narrowly lost the match, Litton's innings was a testament to his talent and temperament on the big stage.
Record-breaking Partnership with Tamim Iqbal: In March 2020, during Zimbabwe's tour of Bangladesh, Litton, along with Tamim Iqbal, set a record for the highest partnership for Bangladesh for any wicket in ODIs. The duo amassed a staggering 292 runs, showcasing their dominance over the opposition.
Highest Individual ODI Score: In the same innings where he set the partnership record with Tamim Iqbal, Litton scored a breathtaking 176 runs off 143 balls. This innings set the record for the highest individual score by a Bangladeshi batsman in ODIs.
Stellar Performance in the 2019 Cricket World Cup: Litton's unbeaten 94-run knock against the West Indies in the 2019 Cricket World Cup was a masterclass. His unbeaten 189-run partnership with Shakib Al Hasan led Bangladesh to a memorable 7-wicket victory, showcasing his ability to perform on the world stage.
Achieving Career-best Test Ranking: By January 2022, Litton achieved his career-best test ranking of no. 12 in the ICC Men's Player Rankings. This ranking is the highest ever achieved by a Bangladeshi batsman, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Fastest T20I Half-century for Bangladesh: In March 2023, during a T20I against Ireland, Litton reached his fifty in just 18 balls, setting the record for the fastest half-century by a Bangladeshi cricketer in T20Is. He went on to score 83 runs off 41 balls, further showcasing his prowess in the shortest format of the game.
Litton Das's cricketing journey, when viewed through the lens of statistics, paints a vivid picture of his consistency and prowess across various formats. In Test cricket, he has played 37 matches, amassing 2,319 runs with an average of 36.82. His highest score in this format stands at 141, and he has achieved three centuries and sixteen half-centuries. Behind the stumps, he has been equally effective, with 62 catches and 6 stumpings to his name.
In the One Day Internationals (ODIs), Litton has represented Bangladesh in 72 matches, scoring 2,213 runs at an average of 34.05. His ODI career is highlighted by five centuries, with a top score of a magnificent 176 runs. He has also contributed with 10 half-centuries in this format. As a wicketkeeper, he has taken 35 catches and made 3 stumpings.
In the shortest format, the Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), Litton has played 70 matches, accumulating 1,617 runs with an average of 23.36. While he hasn't scored a century in T20Is, he has reached the fifty-run mark 10 times, with his highest score being 83. Behind the stumps in T20Is, he has 28 catches and a stumping to his credit.
Litton's domestic cricket statistics are equally impressive. In first-class cricket, he has participated in 83 matches, scoring a whopping 6,564 runs at an average of 48.29. His highest score in this format is a mammoth 274 runs. He has achieved this feat with the help of 18 centuries and 32 half-centuries. As a wicketkeeper in first-class cricket, he has taken 126 catches and made 14 stumpings.
These numbers not only highlight Litton Das's contributions to Bangladeshi cricket but also underscore his importance in the team across all formats. His consistent performances, both with the bat and behind the stumps, make him one of the most valuable players in the Bangladeshi cricketing setup.
As of now, Litton Das stands as one of the pillars of the Bangladeshi cricket team. His versatility as a wicketkeeper-batsman makes him an invaluable asset in all formats of the game. Over the years, he has matured not just as a player but also as a team member, often guiding younger players and sharing his experiences.
Litton's recent performances in international cricket have been commendable. His adaptability to different conditions, be it the swinging conditions of England or the spin-friendly tracks of the subcontinent, speaks volumes about his technical prowess. Moreover, his ability to switch gears, from anchoring the innings to accelerating the run rate, makes him a formidable opponent.
Looking ahead, Litton Das is poised to play a pivotal role in Bangladesh's cricketing future. With several series and tournaments lined up, including the T20 World Cup, Litton's form and fitness will be crucial for the team's success. Given his age and experience, he is expected to serve Bangladeshi cricket for many more years, potentially taking up leadership roles in the future.
Litton Das's journey from the cricketing fields of Dinajpur to the international arena is nothing short of inspirational. His dedication, hard work, and sheer talent have made him one of the brightest stars in Bangladeshi cricket. As he continues to break records and set new milestones, the cricketing world watches with bated breath, anticipating many more match-winning performances from this prodigious talent. For Bangladesh, Litton Das is not just a cricketer; he's a beacon of hope, symbolising the nation's cricketing aspirations.
FAQs
When did Litton Das make his international debut for Bangladesh?
Litton Das made his Test debut for Bangladesh on 10 June 2015 against India.
What is Litton Das's highest individual score in ODIs?
Litton Das's highest individual score in ODIs is 176 runs.
Has Litton Das ever played in the T20 World Cup for Bangladesh?
Yes, Litton Das has represented Bangladesh in multiple T20 World Cup editions.
Which domestic team does Litton Das play for in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)?
Litton Das has played for several teams in the BPL, including Dhaka Gladiators, Comilla Victorians, and Rajshahi Royals, among others.
Where was Litton Das born?
Litton Das was born in Dinajpur, Bangladesh.
