IND v BAN 2024: Selectors to rest Shubman Gill for Bangladesh T20Is; Ishan Kishan in fray for return

The BCCI selectors could rest star opener Shubman Gill for the upcoming Bangladesh T20Is starting October 7, while Ishan Kishan could return to the Indian Team for the first time since his fallout with BCCI. Per the latest reports, the selectors will rest several big names, including the pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, for the T20Is as part of the workload management.

India’s home season begins with the Bangladesh series, including two Tests and three T20Is, followed by a three-match Test series against New Zealand. Ahead of the five Tests Down Underfrom mid-November, India will also travel to South Africa for four T20Is.

With Gill playing a pivotal role at number three for India in Tests, resting him ahead of New Zealand Tests proves to be the right justification for the call.

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With the selectors relying on Gill to deliver against Australia during the crucial away tour, the India opener must remain fit. Also, considering India will host England for a white-ball series early next year, with the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan for the February-March window, next in line, Gill’s fitness and form will determine India’s chances.

"Yes, Shubman will be rested for the Bangladesh T20I series. If you look at the fixture, the three T20Is will be played on October 7 (Gwalior), 10 (Delhi) and 13 (Hyderabad). Now first Test vs New Zealand starts October 16."

"So, with a turnaround of three days, it is important to give Gill a break," a BCCI source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, with veterans Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja announcing their T20I retirements earlier, the selectors are tasked to bring in their replacements for the future. However, as India are playing Bangladesh and South Africa in the shortest format this year, the selectors have time to try specific players for specific positions.

Ishan in for Pant

Rishabh Pant made an emphatic return to international cricket by winning his maiden T20 World Cup in the Americas in June this year. With him being a vital cog in the wheel of India’s Test Team, especially Down Under, the selectors might also rest him.

In his place, they might bring back Ishan Kishan, who recently scored a hundred for India C in the ongoing second round of the Duleep Trophy.

With Sanju Samson failing to make the most of the chances in domestic and international cricket, the selectors will look to give Kishan another chance.

(With inputs from agencies)