There is no tension in the Bangladeshi dressing room after the recent change in leadership roles, said ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz. He was appointed for the role just ahead of the Sri Lanka series. 

Mehidy also called the senior players in the team to come up and fill the void that left behind by the players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad. 

Speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday’s ODI series opener against Sri Lanka, Mehidy clarified that there has been no discussion with Najmul Hossain Shanto—who was removed as captain last month—regarding the leadership shift.

“There is a lot of talk about the captaincy. But for us, we are not discussing it,” said Mehidy. “Our job is to support our team and perform. The team is first, Bangladesh is first. That is the most important thing.”

Mehidy, who previously captained Bangladesh in four ODIs, starts his new journey as a full-time leader at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on July 2.

The series comes as Bangladesh transitions from its experienced core to a younger setup.

“We haven’t played any ODIs since the Champions Trophy,” Mehidy added. “Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah retired and they used to play two very important positions. We’ll try to fill those with experienced players.”

Bangladesh begin new ODI era sans Pandas against Sri Lanka

Mehidy said he is ready to bat in one of those middle-order slots himself, while Litton Das is also likely to move into that role.

“Rather than putting someone younger there, we as senior players should take those responsibilities,” he added.

Mehidy has previously shown promise at number four, with three recent half-centuries, though his strike rate has drawn scrutiny. Litton, meanwhile, was seen, as reported by various media, practicing intensively against spin in Colombo, preparing for a likely middle-order role.

Bangladesh’s other options for the middle order include Towhid Hridoy—who struck a century against India in the Champions Trophy—Jaker Ali, and Shamim Hossain.