BCCI Announces India's Squad for T20I Series Against Bangladesh: Fresh Faces, Controversy, and Gambhir’s Influence?
On Saturday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to be played on home soil. The announcement has sparked both excitement and debate, with notable inclusions, surprising omissions, and a few selections that have left fans wondering about behind-the-scenes influences.
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| 'Shameful' Ishan and Ruturaj snub as 'Gambhir influence' detected in India team announcement: Agarkar showed no compassion. |
The Rise of Mayank Yadav & the Return of Varun Chakravarthy
Making headlines is Mayank Yadav, who earned his maiden India call-up following a stellar run in the 2024 IPL. His ability to consistently bowl 150+ kmph deliveries caught the eyes of selectors, and fans will be keen to see how this speedster performs on the international stage.
Another significant return is that of Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner who last represented India in a T20I back in 2021. Chakravarthy’s resurgence during the recent IPL, where he played a pivotal role for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by taking 21 wickets in 14 games, has earned him a spot in the national side once again.
A Fresh-Looking Squad with Key Players Rested
In a strategic move, the BCCI has named a rather refreshed squad for this series, led by Suryakumar Yadav. Several top players such as Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, and Mohammed Siraj have been rested to keep them fresh for the home Test series against New Zealand, scheduled for later next month. However, the squad isn’t short on experience, with established names like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, and Arshdeep Singh adding depth and balance to the lineup.
This approach signals the BCCI's intent to test India's squad depth ahead of future international assignments, offering emerging players a golden opportunity to make their mark on the big stage.
Fan Discontent: The Omission of Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad
Despite the buzz around the new inclusions, the announcement has not been without controversy. Fans quickly took to social media to voice their displeasure over the exclusion of two rising stars—Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Both players had showcased excellent form in recent domestic competitions and seemed deserving of a place in the T20I lineup.
Ishan Kishan, who last played for India in December 2023, had a rocky phase after losing his BCCI central contract due to a disciplinary issue. However, his performances in recent domestic cricket, including a century in the Buchi Babu tournament and a brilliant 111 for India C in the Duleep Trophy, revived hopes of a comeback. His omission, especially when only one specialist opener—Abhishek Sharma—was selected, left many fans scratching their heads.
Similarly, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had scored 77* and 49 in the T20I series against Zimbabwe in July, continued his strong run with 232 runs in the Duleep Trophy. His exclusion, despite this form, further fueled frustration among supporters who felt he had done enough to earn a spot.
The Gambhir Factor: A Silent Influence on Selection?
Adding to the intrigue surrounding the squad is the perception of **Gautam Gambhir’s influence**. Several fans highlighted that Gambhir, who was the mentor of KKR during the IPL 2024 season, may have played a role in the selection of **Varun Chakravarthy** and **Harshit Rana**, another KKR player who impressed with 19 wickets in 13 matches. Gambhir has since moved on from KKR to take up the role of head coach for the Indian team, and his connection to these players hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Additionally, Mayank Yadav’s rise to the national team might also have been influenced by Gambhir, as the former Indian opener had previously worked with Mayank during his mentorship stint with the Lucknow Super Giants in the previous IPL season. This speculation has added another layer of drama to an already fascinating squad selection process.
Looking Ahead: The T20I Series
The three-match T20I series against Bangladesh will be held across three venues: Gwalior, Delhi, and Hyderabad, on October 6, 9, and 12 respectively. The series promises to be an exciting opportunity to witness India’s next generation of cricketers showcase their skills, while fans remain eager to see how this new-look team performs under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav.
Though the squad’s selection has raised eyebrows, it is clear that the BCCI is looking to strike a balance between testing new talent and maintaining a competitive edge. Whether this gamble pays off, and whether the excluded stars like Kishan and Gaikwad get another shot, will be something to watch closely.
In the meantime, the excitement for the series continues to build, even as debates over the selection linger.








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