Indian pacer Mayank Yadav and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy have been named in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, set to take place at home. Both players earned their call-ups after impressive performances in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), where they showcased their talent and potential, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Mayank Yadav, who made waves in the IPL while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants, was named in the squad following his eye-catching displays in the tournament. His ability to bowl with pace grabbed attention, even though he was sidelined for several matches due to a side strain. Unfortunately, his injury resurfaced, cutting his IPL season short after just four matches.
However, his recovery and subsequent return to action have been closely monitored by the selectors, who see Yadav as a valuable addition to India’s pace arsenal. His selection for the Bangladesh series is seen as an opportunity for the pacer to make his mark on the international stage, especially with the upcoming Australia tour looming.
Joining Yadav is all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who also impressed in IPL 2024 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He amassed 303 runs, making him a standout performer before an injury ruled him out of the Zimbabwe tour earlier this year. Reddy’s successful return to competitive cricket during the Duleep Trophy has paved the way for his inclusion in the national squad, providing India with a valuable all-round option.
Several Test regulars have been rested for the series as India gears up for a demanding schedule that includes three home Tests followed by a major series against Australia. Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, and Khaleel Ahmed have all been left out of the squad to manage workload and ensure their readiness for the upcoming Test matches.
Abhishek Sharma, who smashed a century in Zimbabwe during his second T20I match, returns to the squad, while wicketkeeper Sanju Samson has retained his spot over Ishan Kishan. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy, fast bowler Harshit Rana, and wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma have also made the cut for the series.
The three-match T20I series will kick off on October 6 in Gwalior, followed by games in New Delhi and Hyderabad.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav.
