Sanju Samson IN, Ravi Bishnoi OUT, here is India’s predicted playing XI for 2nd T20I against Bangladesh

Having begun the series with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Gwalior, the Indian cricket team is poised to secure the series win in the second T20I, which is set to be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday (October 9).

India opened its innings with Sanju Samson, elevating him to the opening position, as there was only one specialist opener in the team, Abhishek Sharma. Samson made a good contribution with 29, making it all the more likely that he would retain his position; there was no problem with Sharma’s, though, as he got run out after scoring 16.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya batted quick fire 29 each, indicating that they are the spine of the middle order. Nitish Kumar Reddy, making his debut, remained not out with 15 runs; he should stay in the side.

Although Riyan Parag and Rinku Singh did not get a chance to bat, it is expected that the team management will give them a more extended stay. Thus, Tilak Verma will have to wait for some time and earn his chance to wear the national colours again after stepping in for Shivam Dube in the team.

With Axar Patel out of the team, Washington Sundar seemed a very obvious choice to fill that gap as a spin-bowling all-rounder. But in a surprising development, Suryakumar Yadav made the surprise of dropping Ravi Bishnoi to make room for Varun Chakravarthy, while head coach Gautam Gambhir did exactly the same. It was the first time since 2020 that Varun was returning to India. Chakravarthy definitely won himself a place in the team by taking three wickets, in all likelihood securing for himself more opportunities than Bishnoi but again, he might face sitting out while expecting only moments of brilliance with his national colors.

Arshdeep Singh and debutant Mayank Yadav delivered impressive performances, suggesting that India will likely stick with their current pace attack, leaving Harshit Rana still waiting for his debut cap. Consequently, the team is expected to field an unchanged playing XI for the second T20I.

India Predicted XI For 2nd T20I vs Bangladesh: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Charkravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav