New Delhi: Sanju Samson looks set to edge Ishan Kishan for a spot in India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. India will lock horns with the visitors in a three-match T20I series after the end of the ongoing two-match Test series between the two sides at home. Both Samson and Kishan have been in great form of late but Samson reportedly has a better chance of reclaiming his spot in the squad.
As per a report in Cricbuzz, Samson is likely to remain the first-choice wicket-keeper batter for India in the T20I series against Bangladesh ahead of Kishan. The report further states that Samson might be utilised as an opener in the series despite his flop show as an opener in the T20I series against Sri Lanka where he bagged two consecutive ducks.
Both Kishan and Samson showcased great form in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy 2024 with a century apiece. While Samson finished the tournament with 196 runs, Kishan could only manage 123 runs. Nonetheless, the left-hander has displayed consistency over the last couple of months and has looked in good touch ever since his comeback.
Kishan has not played for India for nearly 10 months as his last appearance for the Men in Blue came in November last year. The wicket-keeper batter had opted for a mental health break during India’s tour of South Africa but failed to make his comeback in the squad as he was subsequently left out of BCCI central contracts list for reasons not solely related to his on-field performances.
Kishan was punished for not playing domestic cricket while not on national duty and was also reportedly punished for disciplinary reasons. However, the 26-year-old is back-focused and has been making waves in the domestic circuit. He recently played a brilliant knock of 111 runs for India C in their game against India B in the Duleep Trophy 2024.
Irani Cup might be the reason behind Samson’s selection over Kishan
Kishan was recently named in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup clash against Mumbai while Samson was not picked in the squad despite his good form. The Irani Cup will be played from October 1-5 while the T20I series between India and Bangladesh will get underway from October 06.
While it is possible for the Indian team to ask a player to join the squad immediately after a domestic tournament, Samson has likely not been picked for Irani Cup keeping his availability for the Bangladesh T20I series in mind. With Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to be rested from the T20Is after the two-match Test series considering the long Test season ahead, India will need two openers and Samson can be one of them.
Apart from Samson, India’s T20I regulars like Arshdeep Singh, Rinku Singh and Ravi Bishnoi have also been not picked for the Irani Cup, hinting at the wicket-keeper’s inclusion in India’s T20I squad for the Bangladesh series. Suryakumar Yadav, who recently recovered from a finger injury, will return to lead India while Hardik Pandya will also make his comeback after the Sri Lanka series.
Sanju Samson is reportedly set to get preffered over Ishan Kishan in India’s squad for their upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. The T20I series will get underway on Sunday, October 06. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
