Sports Desk:

India’s T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav said on Saturday that he believes pace bowler Mayank Agarwal has an X-factor in him as they prepare to take on Bangladesh in three-match T20I series, scheduled at Gwalior from today.

Pace sensation Mayank Yadav has been fast-tracked into the national team and is expected to make his debut in the series against Bangladesh.

Suryakumar did not play him in the nets here but like everyone else, he was impressed with his sensational IPL debut earlier this year. “The series is a good chance for the youngsters. Mayank has that x-factor and others as well. I have not played in my nets thus far. But have seen his potential and the impact he can make,” said the T20 skipper. “We were discussing the team just now. If you asked me 10 minutes later, I would have told you whether he would play or not. But surely, he has that extra pace. Need to manage him properly. There is a lot of cricket going on both international and domestic,” he said.

“He is a good addition to the Indian team,” he said referring to Mayank who has not played since suffering a side strain in the IPL back in April.

“He is doing well, fitness as well,” added the skipper.

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy expects the pitch to play slow at the newly built stadium but the Indian captain thinks otherwise about the 22 yards.

“The pitch looks good. We have batting on practice wickets there will not be too much change compared to the pitch chosen for tomorrow. We will see tomorrow (Sunday),” he said.

“If all batters can bowl an over or two, it’s good for the team,” he added.  Suryakumar confirmed that Sanju Samson will open with Abhishek Sharma in the series. “Sanju will open in this series,” he concluded.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Saturday that all-rounder Shivam Dube has been ruled out of the series due to a back injury.  The young left-handed batter has been replaced with Tilak Varma.

“All-rounder Shivam Dube is ruled out of the three-match T20I series owing to a back injury. The Senior Selection Committee has named Tilak Varma as Shivam’s replacement,” said BCCI.