Former India coach Sanjay Bangar has announced the Indian squad for the upcoming five-match T20I. series Against England on January 22 at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata. Young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal surprisingly failed to make it to Bangar’s first choice XI.
Sanjay Bangar’s T20I squad featured a mix of experience and new talent in the top six, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharmaand Sanju Samson form the core supported by aggressive finishers Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube for the upcoming home series against England.
Sanjay Bangar drops Yashasvi Jaiswal from India XI for T20I series against England
Interestingly, Bangar also highlighted Jaiswal’s potential as an all-rounder in all formats of the game. He said that Yashasvi Jaiswal remains a key prospect for India’s future in all three formats of the game, but would like to go with these four players for now.
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On the other hand, the wicketkeeper’s position remains highly contested, with Bangar admitting a stiff competition between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul for the crucial role. The former Indian coach suggested that Pant could be a better option for the longer term, especially if India need flexibility in their batting line-up.
Bangar also suggested a scenario that would allow Rishabh Pant to slot in at No.5, with Yashasvi Jaiswal being moved up the order in the absence of Sanju Samson. According to him, this strategic arrangement can provide India with a balanced line-up using Pant’s dynamic. effective hitting skills.
It is very difficult to choose between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul: Sanjay Bangar
Sanjay Bangar told Star Sports, “For me, the top four is similar, where Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. No. 5 and 6 – Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube. The backup for me has to be top order batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. I would like him to play in all three formats, at least compete for all three formats.
Back-up goalie, it’s a shootout; It’s a tough one between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. If the need is to bat in the top four, yes Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul. It’s a scam, but if you need to take a longer view, then Rishabh might be the guy.
In addition, Bangar also shared his picks for India’s lower order and bowling order. He included Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel at Nos. 7 and 8, followed by Kuldeep Yadav at No. 9. Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna completed the line-up as frontline pacers.
Sanjay Bangar says Kuldeep Yadav is the most preferred spin bowler
The former Indian cricketer said Kuldeep Yadav is his preferred No.1 spinner in India and Varun Chakravarthy should be his back-up for the England series. Bangar mentioned that he picked the team keeping in mind that Jasprit Bumrah will not be seen playing in the T20I series.
Bangar signed, “No. Number 7 and 8 are Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. Number 9 is Kuldeep Yadav. Number 10 and 11 are Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna. For me, Prasidh Krishna is a bowler who can really penetrate both the new ball and the medium shots. The backup pacer will be Khaleel Ahmed. Kuldeep is the all-rounder as he is the bowler of choice and Varun Chakraborty is behind him as he brings that mysterious element to him.”
Sanjay Bangar’s India squad for T20I series against England:
Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Varun Chakaravarthy, Khaleel Ahmed.
