Soumya Sarkar and Najmul Shanto [Source: AFP]Bangladesh's tour of Zimbabwe has exposed several worrying cracks in a team that was expected to dominate a lower-ranked opponent, be it at a foreign place. Instead, the Tigers suffered one of their most disappointing overseas campaigns in recent years.It began with a humiliating innings-and-85-run defeat in the only Test before Zimbabwe went on to clinch the ODI series by winning the opening two matches. Rather than taking a step forward, Bangladesh have looked short on confidence.While senior players have failed to lead from the front, a number of fringe cricketers have also failed to justify their selection. With tougher assignments coming up later this year, the Bangladesh Cricket Board could be forced to make several difficult decisions across all three formats.Bangladesh Players Under Threat After Zimbabwe ODI Drubbing1) Soumya SarkarFew Bangladesh cricketers have received as many opportunities as Soumya Sarkar over the years. Unfortunately, the experienced left-hander has once again failed to make those chances count.Across the Zimbabwe ODI series so far, Soumya has managed only 11 runs in three innings, averaging just 5.50, without making any meaningful contribution at the top of the order.Repeated failures are becoming impossible to ignoreEven his overall numbers over the last two years do little to strengthen his case. Since 2024, Soumya has scored 493 runs in 21 international matches at an average of only 24.65, while also picking up just two wickets with the ball.Bangladesh now have younger opening options like Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon establishing themselves across white-ball cricket. Continuing with Soumya despite repeated failures could slow the team's rebuilding process.If Bangladesh want to invest in the future, Soumya Sarkar appears to be one of the first names that could make way.2) Mosaddek HossainAn all-rounder is expected to contribute in at least one discipline. Mosaddek Hossain has struggled to do either during the Zimbabwe tour.The right-hander has scored only 10 runs in three matches at an average of five, while failing to pick up a single wicket.All-rounder role not justifiedHis recent international record also raises questions. Although he averages 55.66 with the bat since 2026, those numbers have come from a very small sample size of six matches, while his bowling has produced just two wickets at an average of 46.Bangladesh already have Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Saif Hassan, Rishad Hossain and Mohammad Saifuddin competing for all-round spots. Given that competition, Mosaddek's limited impact with both bat and ball makes him vulnerable.Also Read- Harare, Pitch Report, Weather Report For ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI, 20263) Nurul HasanNurul Hasan has actually been one of Bangladesh's better performers in the ODI series, scoring 69 runs in three innings at an average of 34.50.However, his place could still come under pressure because Bangladesh have several wicketkeeping options available.Across international cricket over the last two years, Nurul has managed only 272 runs in 19 matches at an average of 22.66, without registering a single half-century or century. Worrying signs with batting abilityWhile his glovework remains dependable, Bangladesh increasingly need wicketkeepers capable of consistently winning games with the bat.Parvez Hossain Emon continues to develop as a batting option, while Litton Das is expected to return after recovering from his injury. Even Mahidul Islam Ankon remains in contention in the longer format.With stronger batting options available, Nurul may struggle to retain his place over the long term.4) Ebadot HossainThere was plenty of excitement surrounding Ebadot Hossain's return following injury, but the Zimbabwe tour has shown that he is still some distance away from his best.The fast bowler featured in the Test but failed to pick up a wicket despite Bangladesh desperately needing breakthroughs.Failed to gain back old rhythmHis overall international numbers since 2025 also paint a worrying picture. Ebadot has played only four matches, taking just one wicket at an average of 290, highlighting how ineffective he has been since returning.Bangladesh's pace attack is becoming increasingly competitive with Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed all pushing for regular opportunities.5) Najmul Hossain ShantoNajmul Hossain Shanto is arguably the biggest name under scrutiny after Bangladesh's disappointing campaign.The left-hander captained Bangladesh in the Test before leading the batting unit in the ODIs, but neither responsibility has gone according to plan.Across four matches on the Zimbabwe tour, Shanto has managed only 61 runs at an average of 15.25, failing to produce a single innings that could rescue Bangladesh from difficult situations.Leadership and batting are both under pressureHis long-term record remains respectable, with 1,870 international runs at an average of 35.28 since 2024, including five centuries. However, expectations from a senior batter and leader are naturally much higher than those from younger players.Bangladesh have repeatedly collapsed under pressure during this tour, and as captain and one of the team's most experienced batters, Shanto will inevitably face the toughest questions.While he is unlikely to disappear completely from Bangladesh's plans, losing the captaincy or being rested from one of the white-ball formats cannot be ruled out if the poor run continues.Conclusion: Bangladesh may finally be forced to begin a proper transitionThe Zimbabwe tour has highlighted that Bangladesh cannot continue relying on reputation alone. Several senior players have failed to deliver when the team needed them most, while younger cricketers waiting in the wings continue to push for opportunities. The selectors now have a genuine chance to reshape the squad before bigger international assignments arrive. Players like Soumya Sarkar, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan and Ebadot Hossain appear to be the most vulnerable based on their recent performances and the competition for places. Najmul Hossain Shanto, meanwhile, may not lose his place immediately, but his leadership and batting will remain under intense scrutiny if Bangladesh's poor run continues.Also Read- ICC Slaps Bangladesh With Heavy Penalty After Zimbabwe ODI Defeat
