Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has revealed his India 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.
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 forming 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 a versatile player 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 wicketkeeper's spot remains highly contested, with Bangar acknowledging the stiff competition between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul for the crucial role. The former Indian coach suggested that Pant could be the better option for a long-term prospect, especially if India need flexibility in the batting line-up.
Bangar also proposed a scenario where if Sanju Samson is not available, Yashasvi Jaiswal could be moved to the top order, allowing Rishabh Pant to slot in at No. 5. He believes that this strategic adjustment could give India a balanced lineup while utilizing Pant's dynamism. effective batting skills.
It is very difficult to choose one between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul: Sanjay Bangar
Sanjay Bangar told Star Sports, “For me, the top four are similar, where 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 top batsman in reserve has to be Yashasvi Jaiswal. I would like him to play all three formats, at least be in contention for all three formats.
The stand-in wicketkeeper, that's a toss up; it is a very tough one between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. If you have to bat in the top four, then yes, Rishabh Pant, or KL Rahul. It's a problem, but if you have to take a longer-term view, then Rishabh could be the guy.”
Bangar also shared his picks for India's lower order and bowling line-up. He included Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel at Nos. 7 and 8, followed by Kuldeep Yadav at No. 9. Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna completed the line-up as frontline pacers.
Sanjay Bangar says Kuldeep Yadav is his most favorite bowler
The former Indian cricketer said that Kuldeep Yadav is his favorite spin bowler no. 1 for India and Varun Chakaravarthy should be his backup 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 concluded by 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 play really penetratively with the new ball and also in the middle. The backup pacer will be Khaleel Ahmed. Kuldeep is an absolute match-winner because he is the go-to bowler and Varun Chakaravarthy is his back because he brings that element of mystery.”
Here 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.