Could Hathurusingha tonic work on Soumya again?

When Soumya Sarkar came onto the international scene, his impact was felt fairly quickly. His ability to dictate terms and put fear in the opposition ranks were traits that best showcased his attributes.

Eight years down the line, the carnage that he wrought against the likes of South Africa and Pakistan seems to be missing a few punches. The definitive factor is the confidence level that the left-hander has portrayed, oftentimes being moved down the order for the purpose of the team or following off-colour performances.

Sri Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusingha, who oversaw the Tigers as head coach from 2014 to 2017, was able to get the best out of Soumya with a tonic of confidence. It appears current technical consultant Sridharan Sriram might replicate such a remedy.

Chandika was known as a strict professional, micro-managing various details during his tenure and keeping a tight leash on things. However, he had a simple message regarding the left-hander's approach. "You may get out, but don't change your approach" was the gist of that message.

Soumya, given the licence to play his natural game, was able to become a match-winner for the Tigers during that period.

So, with limited options and a crisis at the top becoming apparent even to the team management at this point, Soumya made a return to the Tigers' line-up in the tri-nation T20I series in New Zealand despite only making the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup as a standby player.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das. PHOTO: AFP

He started well in the New Zealand game despite struggling with the pace and bounce on offer, but he was keen on his own approach. In the second game against Pakistan yesterday, when Bangladesh slumped to a seven-wicket loss, he got just four runs. But Sriram defended his intent.

"He played a shot and got out. That's intent. I think he was selfless and played for the team. He tried to get going in the first few overs when we got only six or seven runs. He tried to force the pace and got out, but it happens. He played a good knock at number three in the last game so I think there are good signs. With a player like him, we need to really instill confidence," Sriram said after the game yesterday.

It is evident that Soumya is being backed to go about his natural game. Whether that confidence boost can work its way to him making the T20 World Cup squad remains to be seen, but Sriram was open to change.

"We still have time. We have two more days. There will definitely be discussions and I said this earlier, we're open to changes but we're very clear in our heads as to what we want. We will let you know in a few days," he said about whether there were any impending changes to the World Cup squad.

"We do have trust. This is our best group. Those who are here with us are the best from Bangladesh and we have complete faith in that."

The Tigers finished without a win in the tri-nation series but played both Soumya and pacer Shoriful Islam, both of whom are stand-by options for the T20 World Cup, leading to Sriram maintaining that combinations were still being worked out.

He clarified that the opening slots and batting position did not matter because they would keep "modifying" and "adapting" according to conditions and scenarios. There is every bit of chance of changes taking place, especially with Sabbir Rahman not having produced the necessary impact. For Soumya meanwhile, the Sriram tonic could be a chance to revive his game.

The Tigers will head to Australia and play two World Cup warm-up matches on October 17 and 19 against Afghanistan and South Africa respectively. They take the positives of skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das's form at the top. Soumya's fast hand could just add that X-factor.