In a strategic move, Bangladesh has decided to rest several crucial players for the initial two ODIs, focusing on managing their workload ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

In the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das will take on the role of captaincy. Among the prominent players rested are Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and the pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Shoriful Islam.

Despite these notable absences, Bangladesh’s squad retains ample experience with the return of Tamim Iqbal, Mahmud Ullah, Soumya Sarkar, and Nurul Hasan Sohan.

The Bangladesh team has introduced three uncapped players into the mix. Southpaw Zakir Hasan, pacer Khaled Ahmed, and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain have the opportunity to make their debuts during the ODI series.

Unfortunately, Naim Sheikh, Afif Hossain, and Shamim Hossain from the Asia Cup squad did not make it into the ODI series lineup.

Minhajul Abedin, the National Selection Panel Chairman, explained the rationale behind resting players, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the mental and physical fitness of cricketers for the upcoming World Cup in India. He highlighted the series against New Zealand as an opportunity to assess other players ahead of the major event.

The squad boasts a blend of experienced and youthful talents, with Zakir, Khaled, and Rishad being the newcomers to the ODI format.