The BCCI on Saturday (September 28) picked a second-string squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The Ajit Agarkar-headed selection committee rested all the Test-bound players and seemingly confirmed that the players in the T20I team will not be considered at least for the first game against New Zealand.
Mayank Yadav earned his maiden India call-up and he looks all but set to make his T20I debut in the series. The express pacer played four games in IPL 2024 for Lucknow Super Giants before he was ruled out. The selectors probably want to give him the experience of playing international cricket before the all-important Australia tour.
The second-string squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will have its task cut against the visiting team. Here, we have a look at complete changes in Team India for the Bangladesh T20I series –
In
Mayank Yadav has earned his maiden India call-up for the series. Abhishek Sharma, who made his debut against Zimbabwe, is back after being dropped for the Sri Lanka series. The left-handed batsman scored a century against Zimbabwe. A fit-again Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been named in the squad.
Varun Chakaravarthy has been rewarded for his brilliant performance in IPL 2024 and he is back in the national team after three years. He has pipped Yuzvendra Chahal, who continues to get ignored.
Jitesh Sharma has been picked ahead of Ishan Kishan. He will be the backup to Sanju Samson. Harshit Rana, who was part of the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe, is also back in the T20I team.
Out
India openers, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been rested for the Bangladesh T20Is. They are part of the Test team. Rishabh Pant too has been rested along with Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj. Even though Axar isn't in the playing XI against Bangladesh, the selectors have decided to give him a break. His absence will allow the team management to try other all-rounders.