The BCCI has announced the T20 squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, and while some fans are excited, others are not so thrilled. The squad has a fresh look, with some exciting new faces like IPL 2024 star Mayank Yadav, who has earned his first India call-up after some explosive performances. Varun Chakravarthy, who last played for India in a T20I in 2021, is also making a comeback, thanks to a great IPL season for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Team India T20 Squad for Bangladesh
Suryakumar Yadav will be leading the side, which is a mix of younger talents and a few experienced hands. Players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant are being rested ahead of a crucial Test series against New Zealand. However, regulars like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Arshdeep Singh are still in the mix, suggesting that the selectors want to test their options and depth.
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But not everyone is happy with the T20 squad choices. Social media is buzzing with outrage over the exclusions of Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Both players have been in great form in domestic cricket, and many fans expected them to make the squad. Ishan, who last played for India in December 2023, has been on a roll in domestic competitions, scoring a century in the Buchi Babu tournament and another 111 in the Duleep Trophy. Ruturaj, too, has been solid, with standout performances like a 77* and 49 in Zimbabwe earlier this year and a strong showing in the Duleep Trophy.
Despite these performances, the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, decided to leave them out, which has left fans frustrated. With only one specialist opener, Abhishek Sharma, picked in the T20 squad, many felt that there was definitely room for Ishan Kishan or Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Gambhir Influence?
Adding to the drama, some fans have started pointing fingers at India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, saying he may have had a hand in the selection. Gambhir, who mentored KKR in IPL 2024, has a connection with Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana, both of whom made the T20 squad. Mayank Yadav, who worked with Gambhir when he was with Lucknow SuperGiants, is also in the mix, which has led to rumors of Gambhir’s “influence” over the team selections.
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This controversy aside, the upcoming series will be an exciting opportunity for these players to prove their worth as India looks ahead to the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. The matches are scheduled for October 6, 9, and 12 in Gwalior, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
