The Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India will return to action after the side clean swept Bangladesh 2-0 in the two-match Test series. However, the two nations will now lock horns in three-match T20I series, starting Sunday, October 6 in Gwalior. The first match of the series will be played at New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior, followed by a match each in Delhi and Hyderabad.
Speaking ahead of the first T20I against Bangladesh, skipper Suryakumar Yadav dropped a massive hint on speed sensation, Mayank Yadav’s participation. Yadav, who took the limelight with his sheer pace in the four matches he played for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024, compelled the selectors to fast-track him in the Indian setup.
He has that X-factor: Suryakumar Yadav on Mayank Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, who addressed the media ahead of the opening T20I against Bangladesh, hailed Mayank Yadav’s pace, calling him “X-factor”. However, SKY did not confirm Mayank Yadav’s debut, like clarifying upon Sanju Samson’s new role, he added, “The series is a good chance for the youngsters. Mayank has that X-factor obviously, we have seen that in IPL. And it is there in every player, not only him. To watch all these pieces come together feels good.”
Suryakumar Yadav further asserted, “I haven’t played him in the nets because we had different orders, but I have seen him bowl and the kind of potential he holds. We have seen an X-factor in him with that extra pace…We just need to manage him well because all the state games and franchise games in a year take a lot of pressure on them. He is a nice addition to the Indian team, and we can only hope that he performs well.”
The Indian captain also added that the 22-year-old has not played any competitive cricket since suffering a side strain in the IPL and is “currently doing his fitness drills”.
Harshit Rana to wait for India debut
Delhi cricketer Harshit Rana, who has been named in the Indian squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh might have to wait for his debut with Mayank Yadav likely to make this debut in the opening match in Gwalior. As per reports from the Indian Express, the young pacer is set to receive their first cap under captain Suryakumar Yadav.
However, with India looking to make a transition to a comparatively younger looking squad and the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2027, Harshit Rana from Delhi is also not far from making his debut. Moreover, the two pacers from Delhi could take the charge of the fast bowling with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj rested.
India’s squad for T20I series against Bangladesh
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav, Tilak Varma