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CHATTOGRAM, Jan 18, 2025 (BSS)—Bangladesh opener Soumya Sarkar was elated to begin the practice after an injury-forced break as he is eying to have a full recovery before the Champions Trophy.

Soumya, however, started practice with his franchise Rangpur Riders, which had so far won all eight matches in the Bangladesh Premier League.  

“Being able to come to the ground for practice is the most pleasing factor for a player,” Soumya said. “I started batting and seemed to recover fully. The improvement is visible. Since we are cricketers, it is always good to come to the practice.”

Soumya who was in good touch with the bat suffered a finger injury during the second T20 International against West Indies at St Vincent last month.

“I am trying to recover fully as early as possible but I am not forcing anything. If I try to force myself, it may have negative impact. I am batting now, but I am not fielding yet. I have to go slow; I have to go through the processes that are there. I have to talk to the physio, the doctors.

They will be able to say well. I finished (batting) and gave my feedback to the physio. He gave me some extra work again. It is going on like this, trying to return as soon as possible.”

The left-handed top-order batter added, “If I don’t recover completely, it will be more risky. If I go down in a hurry and get back there, it may take two months instead of a month. I, the doctor, Rangpur Riders, all stakeholders will have to talk and decide.”

Rangpur hoped to get Soumya from the beginning of the tournament. Before the BPL, Rangpur won the Global T20 title, thanks to a blistering performance of Soumya who became the best player of the tournament. He also was the best player in the final.

He carried that form to the national team in the West Indies tour. But he injured his finger while fielding. Later, he needed five stitches.

It was believed that he would not play any match in the BPL. But the top-order batter, who has played 178 international matches for Bangladesh so far, hopes for the best.

“I will try to start from where I left off. Although the task is difficult, since I was injured, I have to work again and come back. But I will try to start from the form I was in.”