Former India captain Hardik Pandya is set to chase multiple records during the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, beginning October 6. Leading under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, who has taken the helm following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is, Pandya has a chance to make history.
Currently, Pandya has claimed 86 wickets in 102 matches. He needs just five more wickets to surpass Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s record of 90 and become India’s most successful pacer in T20Is. If he manages to take 11 wickets in the series, he will also become the highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is, overtaking leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who leads with 96 wickets in 80 matches.
The T20I matches will take place on October 6 in Gwalior, October 9 in New Delhi, and October 12 in Hyderabad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad, featuring a mix of fresh talent and returning players.
One of the standout inclusions is IPL 2024 sensation Mayank Yadav, who has made headlines for his impressive pace and wicket-taking skills, despite injuries impacting his season. Another promising addition is all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is poised for his maiden cap.
Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy also makes a return to the national side after a nearly three-year absence. After debuting during the 2021 tour to Sri Lanka, Chakravarthy was part of the T20 World Cup squad that year but was dropped after a disappointing performance.
Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper-batter, has been recalled after featuring in the series against Afghanistan earlier this year. Additionally, explosive opener Abhishek Sharma rejoins the squad after being overlooked for the recent Sri Lanka series, looking to capitalize on his opportunity in the absence of regular opener Ruturaj Gaikwad.
As Pandya sets his sights on record-breaking performances, all eyes will be on the Indian squad as they take on Bangladesh in this exciting series.