The Nidahas trophy between India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will take place in Sri Lanka from the 6^th of March. India have rested some key players in the form of Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah.

This has prompted people to believe that India are weakened, a sentiment that is not shared by Soumya Sarkar. The Bangladesh opener has enthused that the Indian team have a plethora of talents, which is why it doesn’t really matter if the likes of Kohli and Dhoni don’t play.

‘So what if there is no Virat [Kohli] or Dhoni? They don’t lack good cricketers. Sri Lanka are also in great form, so it will be a tough challenge facing the two sides. They have a lot of world class pacers and spinners.’

He continued by stating that Bangladesh will have to be on their toes in Sri Lanka as both India and Sri Lanka represent a big challenge, something which the left-handed batsman revels in.

‘As a result, we also have to play at our best. The biggest thing is to not go on the pitch with fear. Courage is the main thing. I think that there is a hunger to do well in life because of challenges. It is difficult to do well without challenges.’

Sarkar, despite making a half-century against Sri Lanka in the first T20I, is struggling for form. He is going through a difficult period with the bat even in the Dhaka Premier League, but is optimistic about the future.

‘I am trying [to do well]. The team is also giving me chances. A lot of cricketers struggle during their early days, I am too.