Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has announced that keeper-batter Sanju Samson will open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The first match will take place at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior on Sunday, October 6.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who participated in the Test series against Bangladesh, have been rested. Additionally, Rohit Sharma has retired from T20Is, and Ruturaj Gaikwad was not selected for this series.
Abhishek is the only primary opener in the Indian squad for the T20Is against Bangladesh. On the eve of the series, Suryakumar confirmed Abhishek’s opening partner and stated:
“Sanju Samson will be the second opener. He will play and open in this series going forward.”
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Samson (29) has fluctuated in and out of India’s white-ball teams over the past few years. In 30 T20Is, he has accumulated 444 runs at a strike rate of 131.36, including two half-centuries.
In contrast, Suryakumar disagreed with Towhid Hridoy’s comment that the Gwalior pitch for the first T20I will be slow and low. When asked for his thoughts on the surface, the Indian captain responded:
“We didn’t find the wicket low and slow. We practiced for 2-3 days and did not find a lot of difference. The wickets are good for T20 cricket over here. It will be competitive for sure.”
The T20I between India and Bangladesh on Sunday will mark the inaugural international match at the Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium. The last international fixture in Gwalior took place at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in February 2010.
“I haven’t faced him in the nets, but I know the level of potential he possesses”- Suryakumar on Mayank Yadav
When the T20I squad for Bangladesh was revealed, pacer Mayank Yadav received his first call-up to the Indian team. The right-arm fast bowler made a mark with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL before encountering a side strain.
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When asked if he had faced the Delhi fast bowler in the nets, Suryakumar responded:
“He has that extra pace and X factor. All players have it, not just him. I have not played him in the nets because our net plans were a bit up and down. Someone else played him, but I have seen and know the kind of potential he has and I am also aware of the kind of difference that he can make. So, let’s see. I am hoping he will do well,” the 34-year-old asserted.
Earlier this year, Mayank recorded figures of 3-27 and 3-14 in his first two IPL matches before injuries affected his season.
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