Sanju Samson plays a shot during a T20 match against Bangladesh. (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: India will be keen to achieve a series sweep and assess the progress of their emerging talents in the third and final T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad on Saturday.
Having already secured the series 2-0 with victories in Gwalior and New Delhi, the team is eyeing a clean sweep.
Despite two commanding wins in the series, the major concerns for India are their openers form.
The performances of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have been less than satisfactory. Samson, given the opportunity to open the innings, has not met expectations so far, scoring 29 off 19 balls and 10 off 7 in the two innings. To stay in contention, Samson must deliver a standout performance, otherwise, Jitesh Sharma might get a chance.
Similarly, Abhishek Sharma's contributions of 15 and 16 in the last two matches have not been up to the mark. The inconsistency at the top has put added pressure on the middle order, as evidenced by the team being 41 for three during the power play in the second T20I.
With a hectic schedule of international events and bilateral series, it's crucial for the team to develop multiple backup options. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and the coaching staff have started evaluating potential support players with an eye on long-term goals like the upcoming ICC event next year.
Fast bowler
Mayank Yadav
and spinner
Varun Chakravarthy
are under scrutiny for their readiness in tougher competitions. Mayank, returning from an injury that sidelined him since IPL 2024, has impressed with speeds over 150 km/h. Chakravarthy bagged three wickets in his comeback match in Gwalior, his first in three years.
The management is also closely monitoring Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made a significant impact in the Delhi T20I with a 34-ball 74 and a couple of wickets.
The think-tank also faces decisions about including other talented players from the bench, such as leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and all-rounder Harshit Rana.
Whereas, Bangladesh will be striving for a much-needed victory on this challenging tour. For success, they will need stronger performances from senior players like captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, and Mustafizur Rahman, who have not lived up to expectations so far.
Squads:
- India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, JItesh Sharma (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav, Tilak Varma.
- Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah, Litton Kumer Das, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rakibul Hasan.
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