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DHAKA, May 12, 2025 (BSS) - Liton Das is keen to set a long term plan to achieve a bigger success in the T20 format after getting the captaincy as permanent basis in the shortest format of cricket.
 
His captaincy stint will start with the upcoming two-match T20 series against United Arab Emirates (UAE), a series that Liton said his side definitely wants to win but they will keep the future in mind also.

"Naturally, captaincy for a longer period is a positive thing and it helps a captain set a long term plan," Liton said while addressing the media today.

"When you get a long-term opportunity, you can think about a lot of things. Now the question is, how well can I organize my team during this period? I'm also quite optimistic that there will be a long-term plan."

Liton has previously led Bangladesh in various formats on an interim basis. He also found some success in that short stint with the 3-0 win on Caribbean soil playing a vital role in getting the captaincy for longer period.

But the captaincy came at a moment when he hasn't been at his best with the willow.

Even when Bangladesh whitewashed West Indies in three-match T20 series is December last year, Liton was off colour with the bat.

There is sense of belief that his off form may have an adverse impact on his captaincy.

Liton, however, played down the pressure, saying that captaincy responsibility may play a role in getting back to form.

"There is no pressure. Even when I was not the captain, my performance was bad, not that it will be bad now," he said.

"This (captaincy) can be a plus point. I believe that those who think positively, even if they fail for some days, the results will come. I am in that place. I am thinking positively so that I can bring the result in my favour."

He laid emphasize on to be focused on future, not just a single series.

"All the planning I had before was for the immediate series. Since now the opportunity has come for the long term, my thoughts will now be focused on the future," he said.

"Now I know that I have a goal for a longer period. Of course, the series (UAE) will still be there, but the future will also be in mind."

The 30-year-old wicket-keeper batter urged the teammates to play with full responsibility.

"If the Bangladesh team is to move forward, the cricketers will have to fulfill the responsibility. The team will move forward only if we play well," he remarked.

"First of all, our players will have to fulfill their own responsibilities well. As much as I will communicate with the BCB, I will do more with the players - what they want, where they need to improve. I have just got the captaincy. As time goes by I will be able to get used to it."