BAN vs WI 2025: Soumya Sarkar returns as Bangladesh announces squads for West Indies ODIs

Bangladesh has announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting on October 18 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The squad sees the return of experienced opener Soumya Sarkar and a maiden ODI call-up for wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon, as the Tigers look to bounce back from their disappointing 3-0 whitewash against Afghanistan earlier this month.

Bangladesh’s recent ODI outing against Afghanistan ended in a series sweep defeat, with them suffering a heavy 200-run loss in the final match. In reply, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made two changes to the squad that faced Afghanistan. Soumya Sarkar replaces top-order batter Mohammad Naim Sheikh, while Mahidul Islam Ankon comes in for pacer Nahid Rana.

Naim struggled for form in the previous series, managing just 23 runs in the final ODI before edging out at slip. Meanwhile, Nahid Rana failed to make an impact with the ball and did not complete his final over due to fitness concerns. Sarkar, having scored 2,198 runs in 76 ODIs at an average of 32.80, including three centuries and 13 fifties, last represented Bangladesh during the ICC Champions Trophy in February. His absence from the recent series was extended due to a visa delay that ruled him out of the T20I series against Afghanistan.

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Joining him is Mahidul Islam Ankon, one of Bangladesh’s most exciting domestic performers. The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter made his international debut in a Test against South Africa last year but has yet to play an ODI. His impressive performances in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League earned him a call-up, averaging 46.86 with one century and ten fifties over the past two seasons.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh continues to miss the services of senior batter and T20I captain Liton Das, who remains sidelined due to a side strain sustained during the Asia Cup. The team management has decided not to risk rushing his recovery ahead of the upcoming T20I series later this month.

Despite recent struggles, the selectors have retained the likes of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Jaker Ali, and Shamim Hossain. The spin department remains unchanged, led by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and supported by Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam. The pace attack continues to feature Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, alongside Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Hasan Mahmud.