Soumya Sarkar
Soumya Sarkar is a dynamic Bangladeshi cricketer known for his aggressive batting style, elegant stroke play, and handy medium-pace bowling. Since making his international debut in 2014, Soumya has been a valuable asset in the top order, capable of changing games with his attacking approach. While his career has seen ups and downs, he remains one of the most naturally gifted players in Bangladesh cricket.
Quick Facts About Soumya Sarkar[edit | edit source]
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Soumya Sarkar |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Satkhira, Khulna, Bangladesh |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Playing Role | Opening Batsman & Medium-Pace Bowler |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Medium-Fast |
| International Debut | 2014 (ODI vs Zimbabwe) |
| Major Achievements | Fastest century by a Bangladeshi in ODIs (2019); Part of historic ODI wins vs India, Pakistan & South Africa |
| Net Worth (est.) | $3 million+ (cricket, endorsements, leagues) |
Early Life and Domestic Career[edit | edit source]
Soumya Sarkar was born in Satkhira and rose through the cricketing system with standout performances at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), the country’s top sports institute. He represented Bangladesh in the 2010 U-19 World Cup, showcasing his flair as a stylish left-hander.
In domestic cricket, Soumya became a consistent performer for Abahani Limited and other clubs, paving the way for his international debut.
International Career and Achievements[edit | edit source]
One-Day Internationals (ODIs)[edit | edit source]
- Made his ODI debut in December 2014 vs Zimbabwe.
- Became famous during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where his aggressive batting helped Bangladesh reach the quarterfinals for the first time.
- In 2019, he scored the fastest ODI century by a Bangladeshi (off just 40 balls in a practice match, and 51 balls in an official ODI against Zimbabwe).
- Has multiple match-winning knocks against big teams including India, Pakistan, and South Africa.
T20 Internationals[edit | edit source]
- Regular member of Bangladesh’s T20 side, valued for his big hitting and powerplay aggression.
- Provided several quickfire cameos at the top order in ICC tournaments.
Test Cricket[edit | edit source]
- Debuted in 2015 against Pakistan.
- Scored a memorable century vs New Zealand in 2019, his maiden Test hundred.
Style of Play[edit | edit source]
- Batting Strengths: Aggressive, fearless, and especially strong square of the wicket.
- Bowling Utility: Handy right-arm medium pacer, often breaking partnerships in limited-overs matches.
- Fielding: Excellent fielder, athletic in the deep and reliable inside the circle.
- Weaknesses: Struggles with consistency; prone to soft dismissals after bright starts.
Challenges and Comebacks[edit | edit source]
Soumya’s career has been marked by fluctuations in form. While he has delivered spectacular innings, maintaining consistency has been a challenge. Despite criticism, his ability to produce match-winning performances ensures he remains a key option for Bangladesh across formats.
Beyond Cricket[edit | edit source]
- Philanthropy: Involved in local charity efforts, especially in his hometown.
- Personality: Known for his humble, quiet demeanor off the field.
- Franchise Cricket: Regular feature in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)[edit | edit source]
1. What is Soumya Sarkar’s playing role?
He is a left-handed opening batsman and a part-time right-arm medium bowler.
2. When did Soumya Sarkar make his debut?
He made his ODI debut in 2014 vs Zimbabwe.
3. What is Soumya’s biggest achievement?
He holds the record for the fastest ODI century by a Bangladeshi (51 balls vs Zimbabwe, 2019).
4. Has Soumya scored a Test century?
Yes, he scored his maiden Test hundred against New Zealand in 2019.
5. Is Soumya Sarkar consistent?
He is known for explosive starts but has struggled with consistency, leading to ups and downs in his career.
6. Does he play franchise cricket?
Yes, Soumya regularly plays in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and has featured in other leagues.
Soumya Sarkar’s journey reflects the promise and unpredictability of Bangladesh cricket. At his best, he is an explosive opener capable of taking down world-class attacks. Despite challenges with consistency, his flair, versatility, and match-winning ability make him an indispensable part of Bangladesh’s cricketing fabric. With continued maturity, Soumya has the potential to solidify his legacy as one of Bangladesh’s most entertaining cricketers.