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Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that keeper-batter Sanju Samson will open the innings with Abhishek Sharma in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The series will begin with the first T20I at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior on Sunday, October 6.
India have rested Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who featured in the Test series against Bangladesh. Further, while Rohit Sharma has retired from T20Is, Ruturaj Gaikwad was not picked in the squad for the three-match series.
Abhishek was the only frontline opener named in the Indian squad for the T20Is against Bangladesh. Speaking on the eve of the series, skipper Suryakumar confirmed Abhishek's opening partner and said:
"Sanju Samson will be the second opener. He will play and open in this series going forward."
Samson (29) has been in and out of India's white-ball squads over the last few years. In 30 T20Is, he has scored 444 runs at a strike rate of 131.36, with two half-centuries to his name.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar did not agree with Towhid Hridoy's observation that the Gwalior pitch for the first T20I will be slow and low. Asked for his assessment of the surface, the Indian captain replied:
"We didn't find the wicket low and slow. We practiced for 2-3 days and did not find a lot of difference. The wickets are good for T20 cricket over here. It will be competitive for sure."
The T20I between India and Bangladesh will be the first international match at the Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium. The last international game in Gwalior was played at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in February 2010.
"Have not played him in the nets, but know the kind of potential he has" - Suryakumar on Mayank Yadav
When the T20I squad for Bangladesh was announced, pacer Mayank Yadav earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team. The right-arm fast bowler impressed for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL before suffering a side strain.
Asked if he has faced the fast bowler from Delhi in the nets, Suryakumar replied:
"He has that extra pace and X factor. All players have it, not just him. I have not played him in the nets because our net plans were a bit up and down. Someone else played him, but I have seen and know the kind of potential he has and I am also aware of the kind of difference that he can make. So, let's see. I am hoping he will do well," the 34-year-old asserted.
Mayank registered figures of 3-27 and 3-14 in his first two IPL matches earlier this year before fitness issues hampered his campaign.
