IND vs BAN: Team India's Probable Squad For Bangladesh; Ishan Kishan Out, Sanju Samson To Lead

As the Indian cricket team prepares for a fresh chapter in their T20 journey, the upcoming Bangladesh series promises to offer new dynamics and fresh faces. With key players like Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill likely to be rested, all eyes are on the evolving squad led by Suryakumar Yadav. The three-match series, scheduled to start on October 6, 2024, in Gwalior, will give players on the fringes a chance to showcase their potential as India builds towards future campaigns.

Samson Emerges as the First Choice Keeper

One of the most notable absences from the squad is Rishabh Pant, who will be focusing on India’s rigorous Test calendar, with ten critical matches lined up in the World Test Championship (WTC). In his absence, Sanju Samson is poised to take over the wicketkeeping duties. Having proved himself in limited-overs formats with his calm demeanor and explosive batting, Samson is the natural first-choice keeper for the Bangladesh T20Is.

Additionally, Jitesh Sharma, a rising talent from Vidarbha, is likely to secure the second wicketkeeper’s spot. Jitesh has been in excellent form domestically, and his inclusion comes at a time when Ishan Kishan has been selected for the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup, effectively ruling him out of the Bangladesh series. This shift highlights a growing competition for the wicketkeeper position, adding intrigue to the series.

Hardik Pandya Set for a Comeback

In what will be a significant boost for India, Hardik Pandya is expected to return to international cricket in this series. After a brief hiatus for injury recovery and workload management, Pandya’s presence in the squad adds much-needed depth, both in terms of his explosive batting and seam-bowling capabilities. Alongside Pandya, Shivam Dube also makes his way back into the national setup, further bolstering India’s all-rounder options.

The return of Pandya is vital for India as they look to build a core group of players ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Pandya, who has led India in T20Is previously, brings invaluable experience, and his performance in this series could set the tone for the future.

Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar Among the Key Contenders

With the absence of some senior players, India will be keen to test their bench strength. Among the top contenders for a spot in the XI is Rinku Singh, who has consistently impressed in the IPL and domestic circuit. His middle-order resilience, combined with his finishing prowess, makes him a key player for India’s T20 ambitions.

All-rounder Washington Sundar is another player to watch out for. Sundar has the ability to adapt to any format, offering both economical off-spin and aggressive lower-order batting. His inclusion in the squad indicates that India is keen to build a versatile bowling attack, especially in the spin department.

Bangladesh Series: A Test for Future Stars

The India vs Bangladesh T20I series is not just about winning; it’s about identifying future stars who can fill the shoes of the legendary duo, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom retired from T20Is after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This series will provide ample opportunities for players like Riyan Parag, Avesh Khan, and Ravi Bishnoi, who have shown promise in recent times.

Additionally, India’s tour to Zimbabwe earlier this year is expected to influence the squad selection. Players like Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and Tushar Deshpande, who were part of the Zimbabwe T20I series, are likely to feature again. Harshit Rana, who traveled as a backup pacer during that tour, could also get a chance to prove himself.

Focus on Managing Workloads

India’s selectors are placing significant emphasis on managing player workloads, especially with the Test series against New Zealand starting shortly after the Bangladesh T20Is. Resting players like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah ensures that the team remains fresh for the long season ahead.

As India looks to strike a balance between experience and youth, the Bangladesh series serves as a crucial litmus test for the younger generation. Suryakumar Yadav will be eager to lead his team to victory, but equally important will be the performances of emerging players who are vying for a permanent spot in the national side.