Nine-Year Hiatus Ends: Sanju Samson to Open and Keep Wicket!

Sanju Samson

India’s cricket team, having recently clinched a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, is now shifting its focus to a new challenge: a three-match T20 series set to take place in Gwalior. The first match of the series will occur this Sunday, with Suryakumar Yadav stepping in as captain.

Notably, the squad includes only one specialist opener, with Sanju Samson likely to open the innings alongside him. With Rishabh Pant being rested and Ishan Kishan left out of the squad, this presents a prime opportunity for Samson to showcase his skills as the main wicketkeeper-batsman. If he indeed opens the innings, it will mark a rare achievement in his career. Since making his international debut in 2015, Sanju has played just 30 T20 matches, and this will be his first time opening at the international level, despite having played that role in franchise cricket.

In another update, Mayank Yadav, who suffered an injury during the previous IPL season, is gearing up for his international debut after being selected for the T20 series against Bangladesh. Reports indicate that he has passed his fitness test, making his participation in the first match in Gwalior highly likely. During practice sessions, he has been impressively bowling at speeds of up to 150 km/h. It’s noteworthy that Gwalior will host an international match for the first time in nearly 14 years; the last one took place in 2010, where India faced South Africa, and Sachin Tendulkar made history as the first batsman to score a double century in ODIs.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be without their senior player Shakib Al Hasan, who has announced his retirement from T20s and is also stepping back from Tests. This will be the first time Bangladesh will compete in a T20 series without Shakib. Additionally, Mehidy Hasan Miraz has made a return to the squad after nearly 14 months away.

Given the backdrop of heightened security in Gwalior, with over 2,500 police personnel deployed, the match promises to be a significant event for both teams. The Hindu Mahasabha has called for a gathering to oppose the Bangladesh cricket team, further emphasizing the intense atmosphere surrounding the series.