Why Is Litton Das Not Playing In Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI, UAE Tri-Series?

Litton Das will miss the tri-series opener vs Zimbabwe [Source: AFP]

Bangladesh is set to take on Zimbabwe in the first match of the UAE tri-series 2026, and even before a ball has been delivered, the Tigers have been jolted by the absence of Litton Das, their ODI captain.

Litton made his return to the ODI squad after an injury layoff, and despite being picked in the squad, the star player will miss the opening contest of the tournament.

Towhid Hridoy gives update on Litton Das

Eyebrows were raised when Towhid Hridoy, the vice-captain of the ODI team, walked out for the toss ceremony. Prior to the game, Litton was fit, but his absence was a shocker.

Hridoy, who stood in as the stand-in captain, gave an update on why Litton has been absent from the playing XI for the tri-series opener against Zimbabwe.

[On why Litton Das is not playing today?] "He has some injury issues that is why," Hridoy said at the toss.

(Note: However, it was later reported by Cricbuzz that Litton was ruled out of the tri-nation series due to a hip injury).

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Bangladesh playing XI in Litton's absence

Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy (c), Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan (wk), Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Injuries continue to hamper Litton Das

Injuries have continued to hamper the Bangladesh captain in 2026, with the hip injury being the latest roadblock. In July 2026, he suffered from a calf injury, and was ruled out from the Zimbabwe tour.

He recovered from a left calf injury and was subsequently added to the team for the Australia Test tour.

The star keeper-batter was picked in the squad for the UAE tri-series, but injury jolted him yet again as he sustained a hip injury and failed to clear his pre-game fitness test, which resulted in him getting ruled out.

Bangladesh has yet to announce his replacement in the squad for the remainder of the tri-nation matches.

The calf injury troubled him a bit before the crucial Australia tour, and his participation hung in jeopardy before he was given the clearance.

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