India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has revealed that Sanju Samson will open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma in the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. The series, which kicks off at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior, follows India’s 3-0 victory over Sri Lanka in July.
Samson, who has opened for India five times in T20Is with a top score of 77, will be given another chance to solidify his position in the team. With many key players resting due to the Test schedule, this presents a vital opportunity for Samson to become a regular part of the T20I lineup.
Mayank Yadav’s Impressive Form and X-Factor Potential
Suryakumar also spoke highly of India’s rising talents, particularly Mayank Yadav, who had a standout season in the 2024 IPL by regularly bowling at speeds above 150 kmph. Yadav’s recovery from a lengthy rehabilitation period has made him a key figure to watch in the upcoming matches.
Suryakumar acknowledged Yadav’s “X factor” and praised his impact on the team, though he admitted he hadn’t faced him in the nets due to scheduling issues. He expressed optimism about Yadav’s ability to deliver for the team, emphasizing the importance of managing him well, especially considering the high demand for fast bowlers in the current cricket calendar.
Young Talent Aiming for T20 World Cup Defense
India is using the series against Bangladesh to evaluate new talent, with pacers like Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy eager to make an impact. Suryakumar believes these players, who have shown potential in domestic cricket and the IPL, are crucial to India’s preparations for their 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup title defense at home.
He emphasized the importance of allowing these youngsters to play their natural game without overburdening them with additional expectations. The captain remains confident that the team’s new additions will contribute significantly to the series and the team’s future success.
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