NEW DELHI: Fast bowler Mayank Yadav and batting all-rounder Nitish Reddy were handed India debuts in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior, with both of them being rewarded for their impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Both the players made a mark in the domestic league, earning them spots in the national team. India, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, won the toss and opted to bowl first, aiming to utilise their strong bowling attack against Bangladesh.
The debutants will be eager to showcase their talent on the international stage, having shone in high-pressure IPL moments. This move reflects India’s emphasis on nurturing young talent and building depth for future challenges.
Suryakumar opted for Mayank, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, power-hitter Rinku Singh, and all-rounder Washington Sundar in the playing XI, leaving out Tilak Verma, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, and Jitesh Sharma.
“We’ll look to bowl first. Looks humid, don’t think the wicket will change later on. Always a great feeling coming back home and playing in home conditions. We are really excited for that. There’s a lot of talent involved in the group. The energy is great and most importantly, the guys are keen to learn. That’s a great thing. (On the stadium) Looks beautiful, the crowd here looks lovely, very excited to play here. Guys who are missing out are Tilak Varma, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana and Jitesh,” Suryakumar said at the toss.
“It’s a pretty new side. Couple of guys are coming for the T20s, I hope they do something speical in the series. Last couple of months, they have worked really hard at home. Looks very fresh, I would have bowled first as well. Looks like a good wicket, I hope the openers will do something good. Three seamers and two spinners,” said Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Teams:
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
Bangladesh: Litton Das (wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam.
