Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has revealed his Indian squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, starting on January 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal surprisingly did not make it to Bangar’s first choice XI.
Sanjay Bangar’s T20I squad featured a mix of experience and emerging talent in the top six, with 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’s 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 for now he would like to go with these four players.
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On the other hand, the wicketkeeping position remains highly contested, with Bangar admitting to stiff competition between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul for the key role. The former India 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 where, if Sanju Samson is unavailable, Yashasvi Jaiswal could be moved to the top order, allowing Rishabh Pant to slot in at No. 5. He feels that this strategic adjustment could provide India with a balanced line-up using Pant’s dynamics effective hitting.
It is very difficult to choose between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul: Sanjay Bangar
Sanjay Bangar said on Star Sports, “For me, the top four are similar, which includes Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav along with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. No. 5 and no. 6 – Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube. For me, the backup top batsman has to be Yashasvi Jaiswal. I would like him to play all three formats, at least to be in competition for all three formats.
Back-up goalie, that’s a toss-up; it is very tough between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. If batting is required in the top four, then yes, Rishabh Pant, or else KL Rahul. It’s a toss-up, but if you have to take a longer-term view, then Rishabh could be the one.”
Furthermore, Bangar also shared his picks for India’s lower order and bowling line-up. He included Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel at no. 7 and no. 8 followed by Kuldeep Yadav at no. 9. Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna completed the lineup as the opening pacers.
Sanjay Bangar says Kuldeep Yadav is the most preferred bowler
The former Indian cricketer said Kuldeep Yadav is his favorite No.1 bowler for India and Varun Chakaravarthy should be his back-up for the England series. Bangar noted that he picked the team keeping in mind that Jasprit Bumrah will not be seen playing in the T20I series.
Bangar signed off saying, “No. 7 and No. 8 are Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. No. 9 is Kuldeep Yadav. No. 10 and No. 11 are Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna. For me, Prasidh Krishna is a bowler who can bowl really penetratingly with the new ball and also in the middle overs.Khaleel Ahmed is the stand-in pacer as he is the most preferred bowler Varun Chakaravarthy is his back because he brings that mysterious element to him.”
This is Sanjay Bangar’s India squad for the 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.
