India vs Bangladesh T20I series: Top picks for India squad in the absence of mainstays

The Bangladesh Tour of India, while focused on the red-ball series currently, will also feature a three-match T20I series before the visitors head back home. The second and final Test is set to begin on September 27 in Kanpur. After its conclusion, attention will briefly shift to the shortest format when India hosts Bangladesh for the T20I series. However, given the packed Test schedule ahead for India, several top red-ball players are expected to sit out of the series. Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah have all been confirmed as absentees from the India vs Bangladesh T20I matches. In their absence, here’s a look at potential players who could earn a spot in the India squad for the home series against Bangladesh.

India vs Bangladesh series: Top picks for India T20I squad

It seems like it’s a long road ahead for Ishan Kishan to regain his place in the Indian squad. Pant has firmly established himself as the primary wicket-keeper since his return, but like Gill and Bumrah, he will miss the T20I series, leaving the wicket-keeping position open. Sanju Samson is the most likely candidate to don the gloves in Pant’s absence. However, reports suggest that Kishan is trailing in the race for the backup wicket-keeper role. Current speculations point to Jitesh Sharma as the front-runner to support Samson behind the stumps in the home series.

As India’s Test specialists take a break from the white-ball format, several players who toured Zimbabwe earlier this season are likely to be considered for selection in the Bangladesh series. The potential names include Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Jitesh Sharma, and Mukesh Kumar. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the young side, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya expected to join as one of the senior members. However, players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj will be unavailable for the white-ball series.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad recently wrapped up the Duleep Trophy as the skipper of India C who finished second in the domestic tournament. Gill is confirmed to be absent from the India vs Bangladesh series per the workload management regulations. If Jaiswal also marks an absence, Gaikwad turns up as an obvious option for the opening position in the Suryakumar Yadav-led team.

Abhishek Sharma

Sharma made a memorable debut for India during the Zimbabwe tour, scoring a century in the second T20I. With both Shubman Gill and Jaiswal out of contention, Sharma emerges as a deserving candidate for the opening spot alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Sanju Samson

Having made intermittent appearances for India over the past few years, Samson is the most reliable option for the wicket-keeper’s role in Pant’s absence. His consistency could be crucial for India in this series.

Ishan Kishan

Kishan’s inclusion in the squad has been highly anticipated. Despite speculation surrounding his selection, Kishan impressed in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, where he scored a century. Although competing with Jitesh Sharma for the second wicket-keeping spot, Kishan has a good chance of earning favor from the BCCI.

Rinku Singh

With no other major assignments, Rinku Singh is a nearly confirmed pick for the series. He has become one of India’s most reliable finishers in recent times, securing his position in the T20I setup alongside Suryakumar Yadav.

Bowling Lineup for India vs Bangladesh T20I series

The bowling department will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, meaning others will need to step up. Arshdeep Singh, along with Harshit Rana and Avesh Khan, is expected to lead India’s pace attack. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar will spearhead the spin department in the series. The India vs Bangladesh T20I series kicks off on October 6, with the first match scheduled in Gwalior. The remaining two matches will take place on October 9 in Delhi and October 12 in Hyderabad.