Rangpur: Bangladesh opener Soumya Sarkar expressed his happiness as he resumed practice following a break due to injury. Sarkar is keen to achieve full recovery before the upcoming Champions Trophy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Soumya began practicing with his franchise team, Rangpur Riders, who have maintained an unbeaten streak, winning 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 stated. "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's recent finger injury occurred during the second T20 International against West Indies in St Vincent last month, affecting his performance. He remarked, "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."
Soumya emphasized the necessity of a complete recovery: "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 Riders had anticipated Soumya's participation from the start of the BPL season. Prior to the league, Rangpur clinched the Global T20 title, largely due to Soumya's exceptional performance, earning him accolades as the tournament's best player as well as in the final. He had carried this form into the national team's West Indies tour but suffered a setback with his injury, requiring five stitches.
Despite initial doubts about his participation in the BPL, the veteran of 178 international matches for Bangladesh remains optimistic. "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," Soumya added.