With two consecutive wins against Bangladesh, the Indian team’s focus is now on the third T20 match. This game will be played on Saturday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Suryakumar Yadav’s team will aim for a clean sweep against Bangladesh, as India currently leads the series 2-0.
India has given some of its key players a break, providing opportunities to young players in this T20 series. These players, under head coach Gautam Gambhir’s strategy, have showcased a winning spirit. Recently, India also won the Test series against Bangladesh 2-0, playing aggressive cricket in Kanpur, reflecting the team’s new approach. Now, India aims to seal the T20 series 3-0.
With the upcoming Champions Trophy next year, the team management is also focusing on preparing good options. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav and spinner Varun Chakravarthy are under close observation by Gambhir, and both players have impressed so far. Mayank, who missed many matches after IPL 2024 due to injury, has showcased his skills by bowling at 150 km/h in this series. Chakravarthy made a successful return to the national team after three years, taking three wickets in the first match in Gwalior.
The team management will also keep a close watch on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who played a brilliant knock of 74 runs off 34 balls and took two wickets in the second T20 match in Delhi. However, the performance of the opening pair, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, remains a concern for the team. Samson, who was given the chance to open, has not been able to capitalize on the opportunity, scoring 29 and 10 in the first two matches.
If Samson gets another chance in Hyderabad, he will need to make the most of it, as the team management might consider giving Jitesh Sharma, the other wicketkeeper-batsman, an opportunity. Abhishek Sharma, who has scored 15 and 16 in the first two matches, will also be expected to play a big innings. Additionally, the team management might consider giving leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and all-rounder Harshit Rana a chance in the final match. As for Bangladesh, their batting lineup has been disappointing so far. To secure their first win of the tour, senior batsmen like captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das will need to step up.
India’s probable playing XI for the final T20 match:
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson/Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, and Harshit Rana.