Sanju Samson to Open, Debut for Mayank Yadav? Here’s What Suryakumar Yadav said at the press conference

As Team India gear up for Bangladesh T20Is, several uncapped players are in the fray who could make their India debut in the coming week. One of them is bowling sensation Mayank Yadav who made waves with his sheer pace in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. There’s still uncertainly if the Delhi fast bowler gets his debut cap on Sunday, captain Suryakumar Yadav, however, confirmed the opening pair for the series opener in a newly-built facility in Gwalior.

Addressing the media on the eve of the first T20I against Bangladesh, Suryakumar said Sanju Samson will open for India alongside Abhishek Sharma.

“Sanju Samson will open with Abhishek going forward in this series,” Suryakumar told the reporters in Gwalior.

Since it will be the first international cricket match at Gwalior’s new venue, the Indian skipper found the pitch apt for a T20 contest.

“The wickets did not seem so low and slow to us because we practised on both days. Although people practised on all three days, it did not feel much difference. The wickets are good for a T20 game and it has become competitive here. Yes, I feel but at the same time it looks good,” he added.

Mayank Yadav’s debut on the card?

Suryakumar was discussing with management before he attended the press conference on Saturday. Had he arrived 10 minutes later, he would have confirmed if Mayank would make his debut on Sunday.

The Indian skipper didn’t give away much on the playing XI but spoke highly of Yadav, terming him an ‘X-factor’.

“He [Mayank Yadav] does have the X factor and it is not like that only he has it. It’s there in all the players and it feels good to watch them. Although I did not play him in the nets but have you seen what he has done, what potential he has, and what difference can he make for the team?

“I saw the X-factor. When he played franchise cricket, he had extra pace. But given that, it’s also essential to manage him. You see there is cricket all around and these boys keep playing. So, attention has to be paid to them. And as I said, he is a great addition to the team and I think, he will do well for the team,” Suryakumar said.