Predicted India Playing XI 1st T20I: Dube out, Reddy in, toss-up between Rana & Mayank

The India vs Bangladesh Test series is now over as the attention turns to the shortest format of the game. While T20 format is not in focus, the selectors and the head coach Gautam Gambhir are paying attention to some of the youngsters coming through the ranks. With all players in the Test squad rested from the IND vs BAN T20 series, it’s an opportunity for many, including those fringe players. However, Shivam Dube won’t be there as he misses out with a back injury. That could be good news for Nitish Reddy. He could be in India Playing XI for 1st T20 as Team India continue to develop depth in the all-rounder department.

In Gwalior though, India may not opt for too many specialists. With Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar and Riyan Parag as three all-rounders, Gambhir could add Nitish Reddy to the mix. Reddy impressed with his quickfire knocks and seam bowling skills in IPL 2024. If Reddy gets a go, skipper Suryakumar Yadav will have to leave out either Harshit Rana or Mayank Yadav as Arshdeep Singh will spearhead India’s pace attack.

Predicted India Playing XI 1st T20I

1. Sanju Samson (wk)
2. Abhishek Sharma
3. Suryakumar Yadav (c)
4. Riyan Parag
5. Hardik Pandya
6. Rinku Singh
7. Washington Sundar
8. Nitish Kumar Reddy
9. Ravi Bishnoi
10. Arshdeep Singh
11. Mayank Yadav

Who will open for India?

Suryakumar Yadav has already confirmed that Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson will open the innings. Coming on the game with back-to-back ducks, Samson will be eager to shrug off his poor form and thereby solidify his spot in the team.

Interestingly, Samson has opened for India in T20Is 5 times scoring his highest-ever runs (77) and has a strike rate of 161.54, his highest for India in T20Is. Therefore the odds are stacked highly in favour of Samson opening and having the destructive Abhishek Sharma as his partner.

Heavily fortified top and middle-order

Depending on how the openers perform, the third and fourth spots would be interchanged between captain Suryakumar Yadav and Riyan Parag. It is expected that SKY will retain his number 3 spot while Parag who had a good IPL 2024 will be keen to showcase his explosive batting style.

India’s ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya will take the number 5 spot and will don the role of the anchor in the team. He can bat according to what the team demands. If the top order fails, he can help his side score quick runs by rotating the strikes. However, if the game demands a big finish from him, one can expect Hardik to perform well.

And at number 6 comes India’s best finisher Rinku Singh. While he has been snubbed a few times in the recent past, the southpaw will be keen to wreak havoc, especially in Gwalior where a run fest is expected.

What would be the bowling combination?

India would likely be using two spinners. Former T20I World Number 1 bowler Ravi Bishnoi makes the cut. The leggie is known to turn the game on its head. With a knack for picking wickets at regular intervals, Bishnoi can tear apart Bangladesh’s batters with relative ease.

At number 7, Washington Sundar would be the last batter. Along with his batting attributes, he is a handy off-spinner. Washington would be partnering with Bishnoi and looking to make the Bangladeshi batters dance to their tune.

Will Mayank get his debut?

In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh would be tasked to lead India’s charge. With Hardik already a seam-bowling option, there could be another all-rounder in India Playing XI.

If that’s the case, it will be a toss-up between Mayank Yadav and Harshit Rana. Both are waiting to make their India debut. Mayank’s debut has been delayed so far due to injuries.The two lanky and young pacers rocked IPL 2024 with their sheer speed and grit and now will be eager to shine for India.

Harshit Rana shined brightly for KKR and will be ready to shine again under Gautam Gambhir in the National colours. On the other hand, the young speedster Mayank Yadav has recovered well at the NCA and is now keen to back into action again, this time on national colours.

India Squad for IND vs BAN T20Is

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav