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Team India have continued their unbeaten streak in the ODI World Cup 2023, securing a spot in the tournament’s semi-finals after eight impressive victories. Following the multi-team event, the Men in Blue are set to take on Australia in a five-match T20I series, and there are intriguing developments in the composition of the Indian squad.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s possible recall
It is widely anticipated that India will rest many of their senior players who would have endured a grueling schedule in the ODI World Cup. As a result, young and upcoming talents will likely find a place in the team, and there is a strong possibility that veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar may be handed a recall.
A recent report from The Times of India suggests that Bhuvneshwar is in contention for a return to the national side. The 33-year-old cricketer has been in outstanding form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy while representing the Uttar Pradesh team. Bhuvi has managed to claim 11 wickets in the competition, which includes a remarkable 5-wicket haul against Karnataka, where he conceded only 16 runs. Notably, the right-arm pacer last donned the India jersey in November 2022 against New Zealand.
An insider quoted by TOI stated, “The selectors are likely to rest all the senior bowlers. In such a scenario, we need an experienced seamer like Bhuvneshwar to lead the attack. He may be recalled.”
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Riyan Parag’s maiden call-up
In another significant development, Riyan Parag, another standout performer in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, is on the verge of receiving his maiden call-up to represent India in the T20I series against Australia.
Riyan has been a revelation, showcasing extraordinary consistency with the bat for Assam. The 20-year-old has scored an astonishing seven consecutive fifties in the competition, setting a remarkable record. With 510 runs in 10 matches, an impressive average of 85.00, and a striking strike rate of 182.79, Riyan is the top run-scorer in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy’s current edition.
“Parag has been performing consistently in domestic cricket this season. It’s hard to ignore his all-round performances. To add to his worth, he’s also an excellent fielder,” the source added.
