As the Indian cricket team gears up for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, starting on October 6, 2024, in Gwalior, the selection committee faces a crucial decision regarding the wicket keeper position. With Rishabh Pant focusing on the Test series against New Zealand, the selectors are considering alternatives for the T20I squad. While Ishan Kishan has been a prominent contender, recent developments suggest that Jitesh Sharma might be the preferred choice for the second wicketkeeper’s slot.
SOURCE : ZEE
The Indian T20I squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, is set to be announced this week. The series will feature three matches, with the second and third T20Is scheduled to be held in New Delhi and Hyderabad on October 9 and , respectively, The selection committee’s decision to potentially favor Jitesh Sharma over Ishan Kishan has sparked significant discussion among cricket enthusiasts and experts.
Source:- -bbc news
Jitesh Sharma, the Vidarbha wicketkeeper-batsman, has been making waves in domestic cricket with his consistent performances. His ability to perform under pressure and his impressive wicketkeeping skills have caught the selectors’ attention Sharma’s recent performances in the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe in July 2024 further solidified his position as a strong contender for the national team
Ishan Kishan, known for his explosive batting and agility behind the stumps, has been a regular feature in India’s limited-overs squads. However, his selection in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup, scheduled from October 1 to 5 in Lucknow, indicates that his international comeback might be slightly delayed This development has opened the door for Jitesh Sharma to step in as the second wicketkeeper for the Bangladesh T20Is.
With the Test series against New Zealand starting on October 16 in Bengaluru, key players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be rested as part of the workload management program This strategic move aims to ensure that these players are in peak condition for the crucial Test matches. Consequently, the selectors are exploring options to fill the gaps in the T20I squad, leading to the consideration of Jitesh Sharma over Ishan Kishan.
The selectors are also evaluating other players who have shown promise in recent domestic and international matches. Abhishek Sharma, the hard-hitting Punjab left-hander, is set to return to the squad in the absence of Shubman Gill However, it remains unclear who will partner him at the top of the order if both Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are rested. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of the Rest of India team, is also in a tight spot as he will likely be busy with the Irani Cup until October 5, leaving little time before the Bangladesh T20Is begin
Hardik Pandya is set to make his return to the national side, along with Shivam Dube The likes of Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Tushar Deshpande, and Ravi Bishnoi, all of whom were part of the Zimbabwe series, are expected to be part of the squad Harshit Rana, who was in Zimbabwe as a backup pacer, could also get a chance to showcase his skills on the international stage
As the Indian team prepares for the T20I series against Bangladesh, the selection committee’s decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the squad’s dynamics. The potential inclusion of Jitesh Sharma over Ishan Kishan highlights the selectors’ focus on current form and performance. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the official squad announcement, which will set the stage for an exciting series against Bangladesh.
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