The highly anticipated T20I series between India and Bangladesh kicks off on October 6, 2024, at Gwalior, with the two teams set to clash in three thrilling matches. As the excitement builds, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has shared pivotal updates regarding the squad, particularly focusing on players Sanju Samson and Mayank Yadav.
Sanju Samson: A New Opening Role
In a significant move, Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Sanju Samson will take on the role of opener for the series, partnering with Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order. Traditionally known for his performances in the middle order, this shift represents a unique opportunity for Samson, especially as established players Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill are being rested.
“Sanju Samson will play and open the batting in this series, going forward with Abhishek Sharma,” Yadav announced in the pre-match press conference. Fans can expect to see a new side of Samson, who has previously excelled in different batting positions.
Despite not having played any matches since the T20 World Cup warm-up against Bangladesh, Samson comes into the series with impressive IPL credentials. He scored a remarkable 531 runs in 15 matches during the 2024 IPL season with the Rajasthan Royals, boasting an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47 while leading his team.
Mayank Yadav: The X-Factor Bowler
Another exciting highlight from Suryakumar Yadav’s press conference was his praise for young fast bowler Mayank Yadav. Yadav referred to him as the “X-factor” of the team, citing his impressive performances in the IPL that captured the attention of cricket fans and experts alike.
“He has that X-factor, as we’ve seen in the IPL. It feels good to see all these pieces come together,” Suryakumar said. Although he hasn’t faced Yadav in the nets, he is optimistic about the bowler’s potential. Mayank Yadav consistently clocked speeds in the mid-150 km/h range during his stint with the Lucknow Super Giants and earned consecutive Player of the Match awards, showcasing his ability to impact games.
However, Suryakumar noted the importance of managing Yadav’s workload, especially given his recent back injury, which is common among fast bowlers. “We just need to manage him well because of the heavy workload from state and franchise games. He is a great addition to the Indian team, and we hope he performs well,” he added.
The T20I Series Schedule
The India vs Bangladesh T20I series promises to deliver exciting cricket action. Here’s the schedule for the three-match series:
- 1st T20I: October 6, 2024 – Gwalior
- 2nd T20I: October 9, 2024 – Delhi
- 3rd T20I: October 12, 2024 – Hyderabad
As the series unfolds, fans will be keen to see how Samson adapts to his new role and how Mayank Yadav performs under pressure. With both players bringing a wealth of talent and potential, the series is set to be a memorable clash between India and Bangladesh.
