India skipper Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that wicketkeeper Sanju Samson will be the side's second opener alongside Abhishek Sharma in the T20I series against Bangladesh, starting at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior on Sunday.India returns to the shortest format of the game after beating Sri Lanka 3-0 in Pallekele in July. Being that side resting most of its regulars, as Tests are the preferred format, Samson will be looking to cement a place in the T20I side, where he has gained 30 caps so far.
Samson has played the opening innings of India in T20Is five times, with a top score of 77. "The second opener is Sanju Samson. He will play, and he will open in the series going forward," said Suryakumar in the pre-match press conference.
Everyone will have a close eye on the new faces in the Indian side for this series-talisman tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav, pace all-rounders Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy-as the board looks to build a side for the home title defence of Men's T20 World Cup in 2026.
"It is a good opportunity. As we have seen, they played for their states and IPL franchises and have a lot of potential to make an impact in the game. I hope they will play tomorrow or in the coming matches going forward. I hope they will do the same things as they have been doing because there is no need to do anything different here."
He hasn't had a net session as yet with Mayank Yadav, who had a breakout Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season by clocking 150kmph speeds and became fit after a length rehab at the NCA. "There is an X factor in all the players, not just him. It feels good to see the small bits and pieces coming together."
"I did not play him in the nets because our net planning was a bit down, and someone else faced him. But I have seen what he has done, what potential he has and what difference he can make for the team. So, it is good to see him here. He has the extra pace and is an X factor."
So, it is in good hands, because we have seen the fast bowlers, and how much cricket is going on. Everybody is playing cricket in his own state. The Duleep Trophy has been held recently and everybody is playing everywhere for their states. Therefore, it becomes essential to take care of everybody, and it is being done. So, he is a good addition to the Indian team and will do well.
Bangladesh had said earlier that they were expecting a slow and low wicket in the venue's first international game. But Suryakumar had a different reading of how the pitch would play.
"We didn't find the wicket low and slow. We practiced for three days. But we didn't find much difference. According to the T20 game, the wickets are good. Yes, it is competitive. But at the same time, it looks good."
Suryakumar signed off commenting on his career so far under T20I captaincy and if he harbours ambitions of captaining Mumbai Indians in the IPL in the future.
"You have thrown in a googly, but I am really enjoying this new role. When I was playing under Rohit (Sharma) bhai's captaincy in MI, I gave my inputs whenever I felt it was required.".
I have captained against Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka, so far it feels good. I have learnt the other captains how to take the team forward. It's a good role and am enjoying it. Let's see what happens next; rest will continue and you will get to know," he said.