Soumya Sarkar - Next big thing for Bangladesh? And also strikingly similar to Sourav Ganguly

[IgnitedMind]

I loved the way Soumya Sarkar attacked the two frontline NZ bowlers after a hell of a spell...looks like he has the attitude and technique to go after the bowling no matter the conditions. I have never ever seen a Bangladeshi player with that kind of attitude....normally you would expect bangladesh to got from 60 for 2 in 20 overs after 27 /2 if anything...but yesterday I saw confidence of a big team for first time in bangladesh.

Think he is the batsman to preserve ..even if he fails in a series or two. And also, is it just me or does he have a striking similarity to Sourav Ganguly ...offside pushes..the timing....

 

[EliteCynical]

Totally agree. Guy looks the part. Has a pretty decent technique and more than decent temperament. Superb fielder too. Highly impressed.

 

[hur rizvi]

He even bowls like Ganguly

 

[GenericBrand]

Oh goodie

 

[Executioner]

He has a good technique too. Far better than our other openers.

I think he can go a long way with the attitude of his. Hopefully, even Anamul emulates Soumya, both being U-19 teammates

 

[mithun_minhas]

Sarkar is class. He is the most elegant batsman that BD has ever produced.

The problem with him seems to be getting those hundreds. He throws it away after looking good for 30-40 runs.

As of now, he reminds of Rohit. Looks class when he plays his shot, but throws it away.

 

[BD-fan]

Sarkar only reminds me of a Young Tamim with a better technic. That is all.
+++
Ganguly is a legend and winner. Even at his early stages those were prominent.

 

[IgnitedMind]

^^^ much better than Tamim.

Yeah..Ganguly was on song since day 1...infact he was most onsong during his early career..1996 to 2002 ! But I see that potential in sarkar..he is just six ODI games old...need to stick with him even if he fails...don't do a pakistan and throw players out for years after 10 failures.

 

[wrong `un]

Lot if similarities between Soumya and Ganguly

1. Elegant through the off side and superb timers

2. Both bowl 120-125 kph medium pace

3. Same height - 5'11''

4. Both Bengali Hindu

 

[prtikul]

I haven't seen him bat but hoping that he scores against us to maintain his average with us winning the game.


Looks like he's fine prospect for Bangladesh from I have read about him, need to get him early. But chances are he may very well feast on our trundler brigade.

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

He is my favorite batsman from Bangladesh at the moment, he kid has ashraful written all over him.

 

[cricketworm]

Very elegant batter. Scared of his confidence.

 

[farazaidi]

Until few months ago, their next big things were Nasir Hossain and Mominul Haque. The former played his first WC game today and the latter well, he has disappeared in the wilderness again.

Soumya is another talented player but problem with Bangladesh is very similar with Pakistan. They dont develop these players into world class performers.

 

[Firebreaker]

Lot if similarities between Soumya and Ganguly

1. Elegant through the off side and superb timers

2. Both bowl 120-125 kph medium pace

3. Same height - 5'11''

4. Both Bengali Hindu

Is he hindu?

 

[Dios]

Habibul Bashar, the ex-captain and selector, deserves credit for Soumya being in the national team. Soumya didn't have the stats to really push for a national team place but Bashar was convinced he had the technique and the attitude to succeed. They are also both from the same region in Bangladesh.

Also watch out for Liton Kumar Das, a right handed-opening batsman who can also keep wickets. He is scoring runs for fun in Bangladesh domestics. Best ever start to a FC career by a Bangladeshi batsman. He can turn out to be a real star for Bangladesh.

 

[Dios]

Is he hindu?

Yes. Bangladesh have some good young Hindu players now. Soumya, Liton, Rony Talukder, Shuvashish Roy, Shuvagoto Hom. Infinitely better than Alok Kapali, Tapash Baishya, Dhiman Ghosh.

 

[Firebreaker]

Yes. Bangladesh have some good young Hindu players now. Soumya, Liton, Rony Talukder, Shuvashish Roy, Shuvagoto Hom. Infinitely better than Alok Kapali, Tapash Baishya, Dhiman Ghosh.

Shuvagoto Hom is a hindu? I thought he was a Muslim

 

[Stewie]

I saw him bat for the first time last night against NZ. After watching his batting, I really wished he was a Pakistani.


This kid will go a long way.

 

[Smbhayi]

Well. . didn't some Bangla brothers says he's cr@p not deserved a WC spot..? anyway he's failed to convert his start to big score

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

Well. . didn't some Bangla brothers says he's cr@p not deserved a WC spot..? anyway he's failed to convert his start to big score

Nah everyone actually wants Soumya and liton to open for us in odis and kick the idiotic fat pan wala tamim out of the team along with his partner in crime Imrul Kayes.

 

[CricketAnalyst]

I loved the way Soumya Sarkar attacked the two frontline NZ bowlers after a hell of a spell...looks like he has the attitude and technique to go after the bowling no matter the conditions. I have never ever seen a Bangladeshi player with that kind of attitude....normally you would expect bangladesh to got from 60 for 2 in 20 overs after 27 /2 if anything...but yesterday I saw confidence of a big team for first time in bangladesh.

Think he is the batsman to preserve ..even if he fails in a series or two. And also, is it just me or does he have a striking similarity to Sourav Ganguly ...offside pushes..the timing....

One thing you're missing, Bangladesh's original approach is to go hell for leather even while losing wickets. For instance, http://www.espncricinfo.com/banglad...e/match/668959.html?innings=1;view=commentary. In a T20, lost 3 wickets in the first 2 overs and ended the PP at 76/4. Last year they had horrible luck and lost a lot of matches, which led to a knee-jerk overcautious approach with players terrified of being called irresponsible. They are back to normal now (which is why their press conferences have so much talk of "playing fearlessly" and "going for shots").

That said, yes, Soumya Sarkar is the real deal. Normally I really prefer stats to abstract stuff like technique, but you really just need to see the guy play to realize he doesn't find world-class bowlers that difficult to face, and his issues are mainly experience and temperament.

Also, rather than Imrul Kayes, Bangladhesh have missed a trick by not picking Liton Das who is a very good player and will be one of Bangladesh's best players of all time.

 

[yadunoe]

with a name like that he seems like a dangerous customer

 

[PerfectionPersonified]

Very impressed with this guy. The two fours he hit against SL were crackers


Highly stylish backlift and technique. hope he doesnt turn into another Tamim Iqbal. Good luck to him

 

[MMHS]

I think at the same age Tamim was much better. People forgetting that Tamim was Wisden cricketer of the year in 2010, after his brilliance against a very good English attack. Tamim lost his way for many reason, mostly personal; but at his prime, he could be as good as anyone Bangladesh has ever produced. Against Scotland, some of his on the rise drives reminded me of Tamim.

Sarker is a fine prospect, can go a long way if he can improve his shot selection. I think, he has the knack of scoring big, has 2 or 3 double hundred in domestics. Bangladesh domestics are played mostly on result wickets over 4 days - it's not easy to get a double there as in general. Once set, SS can score quickly & he is equally good against spin. In future, probably he & Anamul 'll make the opening pair, while Liton taking the gloves from Mushfique.

 

[Bullet Drive]

I think at the same age Tamim was much better. People forgetting that Tamim was Wisden cricketer of the year in 2010, after his brilliance against a very good English attack. Tamim lost his way for many reason, mostly personal; but at his prime, he could be as good as anyone Bangladesh has ever produced. Against Scotland, some of his on the rise drives reminded me of Tamim.

Sarker is a fine prospect, can go a long way if he can improve his shot selection. I think, he has the knack of scoring big, has 2 or 3 double hundred in domestics. Bangladesh domestics are played mostly on result wickets over 4 days - it's not easy to get a double there as in general. Once set, SS can score quickly & he is equally good against spin. In future, probably he & Anamul 'll make the opening pair, while Liton taking the gloves from Mushfique.

What would be your team in lets say 2 years?

 

[Shutdown Corner]

Lot if similarities between Soumya and Ganguly

1. Elegant through the off side and superb timers

2. Both bowl 120-125 kph medium pace

3. Same height - 5'11''

4. Both Bengali Hindu

Soumya is faster than Ganguly as a bowler.

 

[Dios]

What would be your team in lets say 2 years?

Tamim Iqbal (Needs to improve)
Liton Das
Soumya Sarkar
Mushfiqur Rahim+
Mahmudullah
Shakib Al Hasan
Shabbir Rahman
Mashrafe Mortaza (hopefully he can carry on until the next WC)
Taijul Islam
Rubel Hossain
Taskin Ahmed

Squad: Anamul Haque, Rony Talukder, Nasir Hossain, Jubair Hossain, Al-Amin Hossain

In Tests Mominul would be the number 3.

 

[Bilal7]

*Yawn*

Let these guys actually do something at the top level before calling them the next big thing and whatnot, just because they look like Ganguly.

You'll find talented youngsters everywhere in the bigger subcon countries but not all of them kae it because you need something more to become a good international player.

 

[Strike Rate]

Dada is in commentary box right now while Sarkar batting

 

[jashan83]

Dada is in commentary box right now while Sarkar batting

And Dada is really praising him or rather was praising him. Other commentators were also making comparisons with Dada when he hot a similar off drive.

 

[Buffet]

He looks a good prospect to me but like Ganguly, he has issues with short balls. He is very young so plenty of time to get better.

 

[Lethalweapon]

He looks a good prospect to me but like Ganguly, he has issues with short balls. He is very young so plenty of time to get better.

Ganguly plundered the Saffer attack many times especially in the ODIs , all before 2004 (never played ODIs against them after that). Even averages 49.90 in SA. and you had half a dozen seaming allrounders then. Infact, believe it or not, I had no doubt his test comeback would be successful because Saffers just lose it many times against decent lefties. Remember, Marcus North? or Philip Hughes getting 2 100s in a test?


Saffers to tour Bangladesh in 5 months.
I won't be surprised if Soumya Sarkar emulates Ganguly!

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

Well played young man, hope he learned something and I hope he doesn't get dropped, we need to stick to him like Ashraful.

 

[desi_launda]

Played like ganguly of 2005

 

[Dios]

I was getting worried after his consistent failure to convert starts but today he proved that he is the real deal. Has an amazing gift of finding the gaps effortlessly and holy crap what a hitter he is. Once he hits it it stays hit. Needs to work on the shot selection and leaving the ball especially if he wants to succeed in Test cricket. Tamim, Soumya, Liton, Anamul, Rony all top-class top order batsmen competing for three spots in the XI. All these years Bangladesh struggled to find top-order batsmen and now a bunch of them come together at once. Great for Bangladesh cricket.

 

[Dios]

Also if there is anyone who I think deserves an IPL contract from Bangladesh alongside Mushfiqur it's this guy. Bats at the top of the order with an excellent SR and can bowl wicket-to-wicket at around 130 kph. Would be very handy for any IPL team. Shabbir Rahman too is a beast hitter but didn't get a chance to show it in this series.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Shakib was playing for kkr right! Has he gone back for this series?

 

[Buffet]

Ganguly plundered the Saffer attack many times especially in the ODIs , all before 2004 (never played ODIs against them after that). Even averages 49.90 in SA. and you had half a dozen seaming allrounders then. Infact, believe it or not, I had no doubt his test comeback would be successful because Saffers just lose it many times against decent lefties. Remember, Marcus North? or Philip Hughes getting 2 100s in a test?


Saffers to tour Bangladesh in 5 months.
I won't be surprised if Soumya Sarkar emulates Ganguly!

Ganguly was one of the greats in ODI and arguably the second best opener from Asia in ODIs. So him scoring runs was not surprising despite having issues with short balls. International cricket is all about not letting opposition exploit your weakness.

I wasn't making fun of Ganguly. I was just making a general point about weakness against the short balls which was visible in this young fellow as well.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

*Yawn*

Let these guys actually do something at the top level before calling them the next big thing and whatnot, just because they look like Ganguly.

You'll find talented youngsters everywhere in the bigger subcon countries but not all of them kae it because you need something more to become a good international player.

These guys have done 'something' haven't they?

 

[FlickedOffHips]

He looked the part in the 3rd ODI. The whole Bangladeshi batting lineup looks scary in fact. Powerhouse in the making. Although Mahamadoullah had a quiet series, I was very impressed with him in the World Cup. And this kid Sabbir... Bags of talent.

 

[Firebreaker]

He was the worst batsmen in Bangladeshi lineup before this match

 

[Bullet Drive]

Always rated him. What a talent.

 

[vandokkum]

Bangladesh has one of the better ODI batting lineup in Asian conditions...

 

[Executioner]

He was the worst batsmen in Bangladeshi lineup before this match

He was definitely under-performing but when you look at him bat he looks like a class apart though he failed to build up on the starts.

 

[GreenKnightRises]

Nothing against Soumya. But our team has a habit of gifting extra ordinary performances to the opposition player who is totally out of form. Just wait and see the series against India when both Soumya and Tamim will be struggling to buy some runs.

while Shakib,Mushy, Riad , Nassir hussein and maybe Shabbir(Personally rate him better than Soumya) will be the ones who'll trouble the Indian bowling attack

 

[Executioner]

^good observation.

Indian new ball bowlers are a level above of that of Pakistan currently. But once the shine is seen of the new ball I think Tamim and Soumya can bat with ease.

 

[Boxer]

If he keeps playing like in the 3rd ODI, IPL contract will come soon.

 

[Executioner]

If he keeps playing like in the 3rd ODI, IPL contract will come soon.

IPL contract again? Really? Everytime some player plays a brilliant innings people speak about how he deserves an IPL contract. IPL contract is nothing to be proud of at all. What is the use of getting such a contract when he will probably be benched whole season to give place to someone like Dwayne Smith who has a spectacular average of 18 in ODIs.

Even a beast like Kohli doesn't put much emphasis on IPL. What I want from Soumya is 30-40 international centuries by the end of the career.

 

[Sidilicious]

Takes too much risk though.

Thats why he has been inconsistent. Even during his 100, there were too many misses. Needs to curb his instinct of trying to belt every ball

 

[imrankhannsu]

I think he plays some sublime looking shots. However he needs to work on his foot work. I think BD needs to send him one down for now.

 

[Lords]

with a name like that he seems like a dangerous customer

Soumya actually means polite and kind. To Indians his name sounds very mellow and nice kid type name. Though Sarkar gives it a lot of weight.

 

[Mainul]

Soumya Sarker has talents more than i expected. Very brave, good hitter with decent technique. He has the same problem of a young aggressive opener. That when to stop attacking . That's why he was getting out after scoring eye pleasing and attacking 30 or 40 almost in every match. In 2nd ODI also he went after Junaid again after hitting him for 3 boundaries in the same over and got out. It will take time to learn. But what impresses me most that he is more mature than his age of carrier. Team management needs to handle this super talent with care

 

[Mainul]

IPL contract again? Really? Everytime some player plays a brilliant innings people speak about how he deserves an IPL contract. IPL contract is nothing to be proud of at all. What is the use of getting such a contract when he will probably be benched whole season to give place to someone like Dwayne Smith who has a spectacular average of 18 in ODIs.

Even a beast like Kohli doesn't put much emphasis on IPL. What I want from Soumya is 30-40 international centuries by the end of the career.

Good shot

 

[10sion]

Needs to get his temperament right. Hopefully the coach will see into that. Almost looked too eager to play his shots. Was very lucky to get his 100 yesterday. Took unnecessary risks.

 

[ForeverIndian]

IPL contract again? Really? Everytime some player plays a brilliant innings people speak about how he deserves an IPL contract. IPL contract is nothing to be proud of at all. What is the use of getting such a contract when he will probably be benched whole season to give place to someone like Dwayne Smith who has a spectacular average of 18 in ODIs.

Even a beast like Kohli doesn't put much emphasis on IPL. What I want from Soumya is 30-40 international centuries by the end of the career.

Perfect reply to all the IPL fanboys on this forum. IPL is the biggest POS on earth after boybands and Britney spears.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

IPL contract again? Really? Everytime some player plays a brilliant innings people speak about how he deserves an IPL contract. IPL contract is nothing to be proud of at all. What is the use of getting such a contract when he will probably be benched whole season to give place to someone like Dwayne Smith who has a spectacular average of 18 in ODIs.

Even a beast like Kohli doesn't put much emphasis on IPL. What I want from Soumya is 30-40 international centuries by the end of the career.

Its not that he doesn't put much emphasis.

He is unable to.

Been in bad form.

ABD seems to be smashing everyone for fun.

 

[Shafi]

Don't judge him based on Pakistan bowling in a flat deck. Lets see how he perform in bouncy wicket

 

[Shafi]

IPL contract again? Really? Everytime some player plays a brilliant innings people speak about how he deserves an IPL contract. IPL contract is nothing to be proud of at all. What is the use of getting such a contract when he will probably be benched whole season to give place to someone like Dwayne Smith who has a spectacular average of 18 in ODIs.

Even a beast like Kohli doesn't put much emphasis on IPL. What I want from Soumya is 30-40 international centuries by the end of the career.

30-40 Hundreds in ODI? You need to play with Pakistan at least 2 five match series every year

 

[10sion]

30-40 Hundreds in ODI? You need to play with Pakistan at least 2 five match series every year

International hundreds not just ODIs.

 

[10sion]

Don't judge him based on Pakistan bowling in a flat deck. Lets see how he perform in bouncy wicket

He actually got 51, his second highest score in ODIs, against the likes of Southee + Boult in the recently concluded world cup.

 

[FlickedOffHips]

I agree with all who've said that he is too careless sometimes with his shot making. That is his only flaw. But man he sees the ball so well, his hand eye coordination is class. And there is a role for an attacking opener(ala Warner, Mccullum, Dhawan) in all top one day sides, which Bangladesh have shown they can become.

 

[Sidilicious]

I agree with all who've said that he is too careless sometimes with his shot making. That is his only flaw. But man he sees the ball so well, his hand eye coordination is class. And there is a role for an attacking opener(ala Warner, Mccullum, Dhawan) in all top one day sides, which Bangladesh have shown they can become.

You need 1 opener who is attacking, and the other one who is an innings builder.

Either Tamim will have to play more responsibly, or Sarkar will have to. Having said that, I do feel Sarkar seems to be more 'talented' than Tamim, and thus would be the best person to become the innings builder.

 

[A4O4]

Given he is from Shatkhira, which is not at all far from Kolkata, his comparison to Ganguly is interesting. Remember, there was no boundary 70 or so years ago.

Theoretically, he may share a great, great grand parent with Ganguly, sharing the same gene of batting!

Wouldn't that be awesome!

 

[mithun_minhas]

Given he is from Shatkhira, which is not at all far from Kolkata, his comparison to Ganguly is interesting. Remember, there was no boundary 70 or so years ago.

Theoretically, he may share a great, great grand parent with Ganguly, sharing the same gene of batting!

Wouldn't that be awesome!

Do Bangladeshis have soft corner for Indian Bengalis?

I know a few Bengalis from India who support Bangladesh when India is not playing.

 

[Executioner]

Do Bangladeshis have soft corner for Indian Bengalis?

I know a few Bengalis from India who support Bangladesh when India is not playing.

If you ask me then I highly doubt we have a soft corner for Indian bangalis or even muslims.

Ganguly for one was liked by Bangladeshis because of his aggressive batting. All in all Bangladeshis really liked to watch Tendulkar bat, same goes to likes of Yuvraj, Dhoni even Gambhir. Some found Dravid and Laxman boring though to watch nevertheless liked the array of strokese these two had. Oh, no prize for saying we folks don't like Sehwag

 

[mithun_minhas]

If you ask me then I highly doubt we have a soft corner for Indian bangalis or even muslims.

Ganguly for one was liked by Bangladeshis because of his aggressive batting. All in all Bangladeshis really liked to watch Tendulkar bat, same goes to likes of Yuvraj, Dhoni even Gambhir. Some found Dravid and Laxman boring though to watch nevertheless liked the array of strokese these two had. Oh, no prize for saying we folks don't like Sehwag

So its only a one sided love affair then.

We even have the Chief Minister of West Bengal openly expressing her love for Bangladeshis.

 

[10sion]

You need 1 opener who is attacking, and the other one who is an innings builder.

Either Tamim will have to play more responsibly, or Sarkar will have to. Having said that, I do feel Sarkar seems to be more 'talented' than Tamim, and thus would be the best person to become the innings builder.

Gilly and Haydos say otherwise.

 

[Executioner]

So its only a one sided love affair then.

We even have the Chief Minister of West Bengal openly expressing her love for Bangladeshis.

Well TBH i was talking about cricketing affairs. East bengal and Assam regions have produced very few quality cricketers in so many years when you compare to other states in India.

If you talk about entertainment and stuff, yeah many BDeshis do have soft corner their. Soft corner would actually be an underestimation

 

[A4O4]

Do Bangladeshis have soft corner for Indian Bengalis?

I know a few Bengalis from India who support Bangladesh when India is not playing.

Bond of language is a big one, but that's not what I was talking about. Ganguly was an awesome player.

 

[Sidilicious]

Gilly and Haydos say otherwise.

The times have changed. Given the fielding restrictions, you are in a better position if you dont lose more than 2-3 wickets until the 35th over. So, one of your openers needs to bat long. Also, Gilly and Haydos had Ponting, Waugh, Hussey and Symonds etc to follow.

You have Mushfiqur and Shakib, but they are not in the same category yet

 

[10sion]

The times have changed. Given the fielding restrictions, you are in a better position if you dont lose more than 2-3 wickets until the 35th over. So, one of your openers needs to bat long. Also, Gilly and Haydos had Ponting, Waugh, Hussey and Symonds etc to follow.

You have Mushfiqur and Shakib, but they are not in the same category yet

Times have changed but rarely will we see teams batting at 3-3.5 rpo these days. No reason why both can't be agrressive as long as they don't go for slogs, low percentage shots.

 

[Mainul]

Do Bangladeshis have soft corner for Indian Bengalis?

I know a few Bengalis from India who support Bangladesh when India is not playing.

Isn't it natural? Those who has same language. naturally attracts your soft corner. You can hear Gangully praising us supporting us in commentatory box. That is for we speak in Bangla

 

[Firebreaker]

We have many players here better than Sarkkar

 

[Firebreaker]

Isn't it natural? Those who has same language. naturally attracts your soft corner. You can hear Gangully praising us supporting us in commentatory box. That is for we speak in Bangla

Many Pakistani watch Bollywood and many Indians like Shahid Afridi.Does that mean that India and Pakistan love each other?

 

[cricketpatzer]

Do Bangladeshis have soft corner for Indian Bengalis?

I know a few Bengalis from India who support Bangladesh when India is not playing.

This Indian Bengali always supports Bangladesh when India is not playing

 

[Mainul]

We have many players here better than Sarkkar

They should take part in the movie "invisible ". They will do good for sure6

 

[Mainul]

Many Pakistani watch Bollywood and many Indians like Shahid Afridi.Does that mean that India and Pakistan love each other?

Did I say this? I said about soft corner and support. Love is higher in ranking.

 

[Firebreaker]

Did I say this? I said about soft corner and support. Love is higher in ranking.

So does Delhiites support Pakistan when they are not playing India because they speak same language Urdu

 

[Sidilicious]

So does Delhiites support Pakistan when they are not playing India because they speak same language Urdu

As some one brought up in Assam and Bengal, yes, I do have a soft spot for Bangladeshis. Since they debuted, they have been my no. 2 team (until off late when their cricketers started acting like prima donnas and their followers a bit OTT, but then as an Indian, who am I to talk about OTT). But they still would be my no. 2.

Our and their national anthems were written by the same person. And Bengalis on both sides share a great language, history and culture. That surely has to stand for something.

 

[Firebreaker]

LOLLOLOLO last time when young Banglas and Soumya Sarkar faced UAE:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/638935.html