Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has revealed his India squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series Against England, starting January 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. It is surprising that young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal did not make it to Bangar's first choice.
Sanjay Bangar's T20I side featured a mix of experience and emerging talent in the top six, with Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharmaand Sanju Samson form the nucleus, supported by aggressive players Rinku Singh and Shivam Dubey in the upcoming home series against England.
Sanjay Bangar excludes Yashasvi Jaiswal from India's squad for the T20I series against England
Interestingly, Bangar also emphasized 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 join these four players.
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On the other hand, the wicket-keeper's place remains highly contested, with Bangar admitting there is intense competition between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul for the crucial role. The former Indian coach suggested that Pant could be the best option for a long-term perspective, especially if India needs flexibility in the 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 number five. He feels this strategic adjustment can provide India with a balanced lineup while taking advantage of Pant's dynamism. Effective batting skills.
It is very difficult to choose one between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul: Sanjay Bangar
“For me, the top four are the same, with Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav along with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. No. 5 and No. 6 – Rinku Singh and Shivam Dubey. For me, the top-order reserve batsman has to be,” Sanjay Bangar said on Star Sports. Yashasvi Jaiswal. I want him to play in all three formats, at least be in contention in all three formats.
Stand-in wicket-keeper, this is a throw up; It is a very tough match between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. If the need is to bat in the top four, then yes, Rishabh Pant, or KL Rahul. It's disappointing, but if you have to have a long-term vision, Rishabh might be the man.
Moreover, Bangar also shared his picks for India's lower order and bowling lineup. It included Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel in the seventh and eighth positions, followed by Kuldeep Yadav in the ninth position. Arshdeep Singh Prasidh Krishna completed the line-up as the front-rower.
Sanjay Bangar says Kuldeep Yadav is the most preferred bowler
The former Indian cricketer said Kuldeep Yadav is his favorite bowler for India and Varun Chakaravarthy should be his replacement in the England series. Bhanjar noted that he chose the team keeping in mind that Jasprit Bumrah will not be seen playing in the T20I series.
“No. 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 penetrate with the new ball and also in the middle,” Bangar signed off. Back-up Khaleel Ahmed will be the match-winner, frankly, as he is the most preferred player, and Varun Chakaravarthy is his backup. Because it brings this mysterious element to him.
Here is Sanjay Bangar's India lineup for the T20I series against England:
Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dubey, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Yashavi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Varun Chakaravarthy, Khaleel Ahmed.