Jitesh Sharma is emerging as a strong candidate for the position of second wicketkeeper in the Indian T20 team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh starting on October 6 in Gwalior, according to a report by PTI. The team announcement is expected within the week, with subsequent matches scheduled in New Delhi and Hyderabad on October 9 and 12.
With Rishabh Pant focused on the 10 Tests this season, Sanju Samson is set to be India’s primary wicketkeeper for the Bangladesh T20Is. Jitesh, from Vidarbha, is reportedly ahead in the race for the second wicketkeeper role, outpacing Ishan Kishan. Kishan’s inclusion in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup indicates a potential delay in his return to international cricket.
In preparation for the Test series against New Zealand, which begins on October 16 in Bengaluru, key players like Shubman Gill, Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah may be rested as part of a workload management strategy. Additionally, some players will be unavailable due to their participation in the Irani Cup between Rest of India and Mumbai in Lucknow from October 1 to 5.
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Players from the recent Zimbabwe tour are also likely to be reconsidered for selection. With Shubman Gill absent, Abhishek Sharma is anticipated to make a comeback, though it remains uncertain who will open alongside him if both Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are rested.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is leading the Rest of India team, faces scheduling challenges as the Irani Cup concludes just before the Bangladesh T20Is. There are speculations that Jaiswal might feature in the first T20I, with Gaikwad potentially joining for the subsequent matches after the Irani Cup.
Hardik Pandya, along with Shivam Dube, is preparing for a return to the national team. Other players such as Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Tushar Deshpande, and Ravi Bishnoi, who participated in the Zimbabwe series, are expected to be included in the squad. Harshit Rana, who traveled to Zimbabwe as a backup pacer, may also receive an opportunity.