Mayank Yadav to Unleash Pace in India’s T20 Series Against Bangladesh
Pace sensation Mayank Yadav is poised to unleash his raw speed in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, beginning Sunday. The absence of India’s T20 regulars presents an opportunity for fringe players to showcase their talent.
Yadav, who consistently clocked speeds exceeding 150kmph in his IPL debut earlier this year, has drawn attention with his exceptional pace. Despite a side strain that ruled him out of the tournament, his special talent has earned him a fast-track into the national side. The Bangladesh series will test his fitness and temperament, as he aims to replicate the accuracy and control he displayed in the IPL.
Alongside Yadav, fellow Delhi pacer Harshit Rana and all-rounder Nitish Kumar could also make their India debuts. Nitish was selected for the Zimbabwe tour but suffered an injury, while Harshit missed out on playing in the five-match series in Harare.
With Tests against New Zealand taking precedence, several key players, including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Siraj, have been rested for the T20s against Bangladesh. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are the two prominent names in the squad, joined by Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh from the triumphant World Cup unit.
The break for the regulars provides a chance for players like Abhishek Sharma to build their credentials after scoring a century in Zimbabwe. Sanju Samson could open alongside Sharma in the series opener. Riyan Parag, despite playing six T20s since July, has yet to replicate his impressive IPL 2024 form. The Bangladesh games offer him another opportunity to make a strong impact.
Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy makes a comeback after his international career was halted following the disastrous 2021 T20 World Cup. Ravi Bishnoi is the other specialist spinner in the squad. Jitesh Sharma, the reserve wicket-keeper, has not played since the IPL in June and will be eager to get a game.
The three matches will serve as an audition for the four T20s in South Africa next month, with most of the T20 regulars unavailable due to the proximity of the Australia Tests. The series will also provide IPL franchises with clarity on the Indian players they want to retain ahead of the mega auction.
For Bangladesh, the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who recently retired from Tests and T20s, leaves a significant void. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been recalled to the side after 14 months, while veteran batter Mahmud Ullah faces a crossroads in his career.
The Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Stadium, located on the outskirts of Gwalior, will make its international debut on Sunday. Despite challenges in organizing an international match in a smaller center, the host MPCA is prepared.