IND vs BAN: India to unleash new opening pair, express pacer(s) in Gwalior T20I

It’s time for some T20I cricket in the middle of India’s long Test season as they take on Bangladesh in the first of a three-match series in Gwalior on Sunday, October 6.

Still in the early stages of the Gautam Gambhir era, India will aim to identify potential next-gen stars, while some seniors, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, look to establish themselves in the side.

India will also debut a new opening pair at Gwalior’s new home ground—the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium. Speaking to the press on Saturday, Suryakumar confirmed that Sanju Samson would open alongside Abhishek Sharma for the series.

Sanju Samson has played 30 T20Is since his debut nearly 10 years ago. However, the Kerala star hasn’t yet cemented his place in the team. His inconsistency has not entirely been his fault, as Samson has often been in and out of the side, forced to make the most of limited opportunities.

CAN SAMSON MAKE IT COUNT?

In his 30-match career, Samson has batted in eight different positions, with 11 matches at No. 4. He has opened five times, scoring one of his two T20I fifties in that role. For perhaps the first time in his career, Samson has been assured of multiple opportunities in a specific batting position.

It’s a crucial moment for Samson, as competition for the opening spot remains fierce, even with Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.

Gwalior T20I: All you need to know

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are likely to be first-choice openers when available, and players like Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad are also vying for the spot.

Abhishek made an impact in his maiden T20I series for India, scoring a hundred against Zimbabwe in Harare earlier this year. Known for his fearless approach at the top of the order, the left-hander will aim to build on his promising start and remain in contention for future matches.

TWO EXPRESS PACERS SET FOR DEBUT?

Meanwhile, this series also promises to be another exciting chapter in India’s pace revolution. While top pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami are focusing on the Test season, this series presents an opportunity to unearth India’s next fast-bowling superstar.
Arshdeep Singh has already made a name for himself following his heroics in India’s T20 World Cup win, but two West Delhi pacers, who grabbed attention during IPL 2024, could make their debuts in this series.

Mayank Yadav, known for delivering thunderbolts at speeds of 150 kph, is back in the squad after recovering from injuries that derailed what could have been a dream IPL season. After extensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, Mayank is set to showcase his talents, with India eyeing him as an X-factor who can unsettle opposition batsmen.

“He has the X factor. It was evident in his franchise cricket,” captain Suryakumar said on the eve of the contest.

Another exciting prospect from West Delhi is Harshit Rana, who impressed while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. Consistently clocking speeds over 145 kph, Harshit’s versatility has caught the attention of the selectors and team management. He was part of the Indian squad in Zimbabwe earlier this year and heads into the series with momentum from some impressive spells in the Duleep Trophy.

ALL-ROUND OPTIONS APLENTY FOR INDIA
The all-rounder options in the squad will also be a key focus. Washington Sundar will aim to solidify his place in the XI, while India continues to explore Riyan Parag’s bowling skills.

Additionally, highly-rated Nitish Kumar Reddy, who shone for SunRisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024, will have the chance to learn from his idol, Hardik Pandya. However, with Pandya fit and available, Nitish might have to wait for his opportunity in the playing XI.

Varun Chakravarthy’s return to the squad also adds intrigue to the series. At 33, the KKR spinner is eager to make the most of this second chance, having been out of the national setup for nearly three years.

For Bangladesh, the series marks the start of a new era without Shakib Al Hasan, who announced his retirement from T20Is during the recent Test series. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain and top-order batter Towhid Hridoy are two young talents with the platform to shine.

PITCH AND CONDITIONS IN GWALIOR
The newly unveiled Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium will host its first international match on Sunday. While the pitch is somewhat of an unknown, Bangladesh’s Towhid Hridoy suggested it may be slow and low. However, Suryakumar expressed confidence in a good contest between bat and ball after the team’s training session on Saturday evening.

There is no threat of rain for the match, and Gwalior’s new home is set for an exciting debut.

India vs Bangladesh, 1st T20I Team News and Predicted XI
India’s Shivam Dube has been ruled out of the first T20I due to a back injury. Tilak Varma is expected to join the squad as Dube’s replacement on Sunday morning.

India XI: Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi.

Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Nazmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam.