Cricket is more than just a sport in the Indian subcontinent – it is a passion that unites people across borders, religions, and cultures. While India and Pakistan often dominate the cricketing headlines, their neighbor Bangladesh has quietly been making strides in the sport. What many people don’t realize is that some of the key players driving Bangladesh’s success on the cricket field are from the Hindu community.
In this article, we will shine a spotlight on three such unsung heroes – Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, and Alok Kapali. These talented cricketers have not only made significant contributions to the Bangladesh national team but have also broken barriers and challenged stereotypes along the way. Let’s dive in and learn more about their inspiring journeys.
Litton Das: The Wicketkeeper-Batsman Wonder
Litton Das is a name that has become synonymous with Bangladesh cricket in recent years. Born on October 13, 1994, in Dinajpur, this right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman has taken the cricketing world by storm with his consistent performances across formats.
Litton’s journey began at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), a national sports institute known for nurturing young talent. He quickly made a name for himself with his heavy run-scoring in age-group cricket, earning him a spot in Bangladesh’s Under-19 team for the 2012 and 2014 World Cups. In both tournaments, Litton averaged over 50, notching up a century and three half-centuries.
His success at the junior level soon translated to the senior stage. Litton made his Test debut against India in 2015, scoring a promising 44 in his very first innings. He followed it up with a gritty half-century against South Africa and a top score of 94 against Sri Lanka. But his true breakout moment came in 2021 when he smashed his maiden Test century against Pakistan. Since then, Litton has been on a roll, averaging close to 60 in his last 9 Tests with three tons and five fifties.
Litton’s ODI career has been equally impressive. In the 2018 Asia Cup final against India, he stood tall amidst a batting collapse, scoring a defiant 121 while eight of his teammates failed to reach double digits. A year later, in the 2019 World Cup, his crucial 94-run partnership with Shakib Al Hasan helped Bangladesh secure a historic win over the West Indies.
But Litton’s impact goes beyond just his batting. As a wicketkeeper, he has been a reliable presence behind the stumps, effecting 81 catches and 8 stumpings in Tests, and 58 catches and 4 stumpings in ODIs. His sharp glovework and agility have saved countless runs for Bangladesh and earned him the respect of his peers.
Off the field, Litton is known for his humble and hardworking nature. Despite his success, he remains grounded and dedicated to his craft. In a country where cricket is a religion, Litton Das is a shining example of how talent and perseverance can help one overcome any obstacle.
Soumya Sarkar: The Stylish Southpaw
If Litton Das is the rock of the Bangladesh batting lineup, Soumya Sarkar is the flamboyant artist who adds color and flair to it. Born on February 25, 1993, in Satkhira, this left-handed opener is known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to take on the bowlers from the word go.
Soumya’s rise to the top was meteoric. He made his first-class debut for Khulna Division in the 2010-11 season and immediately caught the eye of the selectors with his free-flowing batting. His ODI debut came in 2014 against Zimbabwe, and he announced his arrival with a sparkling half-century.
But it was in the 2015 World Cup that Soumya truly arrived on the global stage. He played a key role in Bangladesh’s historic win over England, scoring a quickfire 40 off just 29 balls. He followed it up with a maiden ODI century against Pakistan a few months later, cementing his place in the team.
Since then, Soumya has been a regular feature in the Bangladesh lineup across formats. In ODIs, he has scored 2012 runs at an average of 33 and a strike rate of 97. His three ODI centuries include a career-best 169 against Zimbabwe in 2018. In T20Is, he has been even more destructive, scoring at a strike rate of 123 with five half-centuries to his name.
But Soumya is not just a one-dimensional player. He is also a handy medium-pacer who can chip in with crucial wickets. In fact, he is the only Bangladeshi to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same match, achieving the feat against Zimbabwe in 2018.
Off the field, Soumya is known for his flamboyant lifestyle and fashion sense. He is often seen sporting trendy hairstyles and tattoos, making him a popular figure among the youth. But beneath the flashy exterior lies a dedicated cricketer who takes his craft very seriously.
In a country where the Hindu population is a minority, Soumya Sarkar’s success is a testament to the inclusive nature of Bangladesh cricket. He has shown that talent knows no religion or background, and that with hard work and determination, anyone can reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Alok Kapali: The Legspinning Allrounder
While Litton Das and Soumya Sarkar are relatively new faces in Bangladesh cricket, Alok Kapali is a veteran who has been around for over two decades. Born on January 1, 1984, in Sylhet, this legspinning allrounder was once touted as the next big thing in Bangladesh cricket.
Alok made his international debut in 2002 and immediately made an impact, scoring an unbeaten 89 against the West Indies in just his second ODI. He followed it up with a Test debut later that year, becoming the first Bangladeshi to take a hat-trick in the format.
But despite his early promise, Alok’s career never quite took off the way many had hoped. He struggled for consistency with both bat and ball, and found himself in and out of the team. In 17 Tests, he scored just 601 runs at an average of 18 and took 6 wickets at an average of 81. His ODI record was slightly better, with 1162 runs at an average of 21 and 31 wickets at an average of 44.
However, what Alok lacked in numbers, he more than made up for in impact. He was a fighter who never gave up, and his never-say-die attitude endeared him to fans and teammates alike. He was also a brilliant fielder, often pulling off stunning catches and run-outs.
Perhaps Alok’s greatest contribution to Bangladesh cricket came off the field. As one of the few Hindu players in the team, he was a role model for the minority community in the country. He showed that cricket was a game that transcended religion and brought people together.
In recent years, Alok has taken up coaching and mentoring roles, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of Bangladeshi cricketers. His legacy may not be one of records and statistics, but of grit, determination, and the power of sport to unite people.
The Way Forward
The stories of Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, and Alok Kapali are just three examples of the many Hindu cricketers who have made a mark in Bangladesh cricket. From Tapash Baisya to Pinak Ghosh to Disha Biswas, the list is long and illustrious.
But their success is not just a matter of pride for the Hindu community in Bangladesh. It is a reflection of the country’s commitment to secularism and inclusivity. In a region where religious tensions often run high, Bangladesh has shown that sport can be a unifying force that brings people together.
As Bangladesh continues to make strides in the cricketing world, it is important to celebrate and support these unsung heroes. They are not just cricketers, but ambassadors of hope and harmony. Their stories inspire us to look beyond our differences and focus on our shared love for the game.
In conclusion, the Hindu players in the Bangladesh cricket team are a shining example of what can be achieved when talent is nurtured and diversity is celebrated. They have overcome odds and shattered stereotypes to become role models for millions. As we cheer them on from the stands and in front of our screens, let us also take a moment to appreciate the larger message they send – that in the end, we are all part of one team, united by our passion for cricket and our love for humanity.
