"Would be better if you don't talk too much about the Pakistan series" - Litton Das to media ahead of India challenge
Bangladesh's senior wicketkeeper-batter Litton Kumar Das has said the team's historic Test series win against Pakistan is now a thing of the past. He added Bangladesh are looking forward to the tour of India, where they will play two Tests and three T20Is from September 19 to October 12.
Bangladesh created history recently when they trounced Pakistan 2-0 in a two-match away Test series. The visitors beat the hosts by 10 wickets in the first match in Rawalpindi and by six wickets at the same venue in the second game.
While there is still plenty of euphoria around Bangladesh's triumph over Pakistan, Litton asserted that the players have already moved on to preparing for the next challenge - the tour of India. Speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday, September 10, he said (as quoted by Cricbuzz):
"We have played very well against Pakistan. That is already in the past. Obviously, very important (to leave Pakistan win behind) and you (media) also need to help a bit. It would be better if you don't talk too much about the Pakistan series. There is a big challenging series ahead. For me as a player, that is in the past (Pakistan Series). But we definitely gained confidence from that."
The 29-year-old admitted that the upcoming series against India will be a challenge for Bangladesh. The aggressive right-handed batter commented:
"When we play India at their home, they are always the better side. I wouldn't say it will be extremely challenging or very easy. They are a very good team in their own conditions. If you look at the rankings, they are so high up. So I think it will be a challenging series for us."
Litton was the Player of the Match for his 138 in the first innings against Pakistan in the second Test played in Rawalpindi. The knock featured 13 fours and four sixes as Bangladesh recovered from a precarious 26-6.
"Personally I feel we couldn't play our 100% in the first sessions" - Litton Das
While Bangladesh won both the Tests against Pakistan, Litton believes there is scope for improvement for the team heading into the India series. According to the experienced batter, Bangladesh weren't at their best in the opening sessions during the Test series in Pakistan. He said in the same interaction:
"We need to focus on this. In Test cricket, you have to win sessions. Every session is important. Personally I feel we couldn't play our 100% in the first sessions. There is room for a big improvement here."
One of Bangladesh's senior cricketers, Litton has played 43 Test matches and has scored 2655 runs at an average of 36.87, with four hundreds and 17 fifties.