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NEW DELHI: BCCI has named Suryansh Shedge as the replacement for Nitish Kumar Reddy in the squads for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England after the all-rounder was sidelined by a quadriceps injury.Nitish reported discomfort in his left quadriceps after the third ODI against Afghanistan on June 20. Following a medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team recommended a period of rehabilitation, effectively ruling him out of both assignments.The injury setback comes after the 23-year-old had already missed the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow. Although he featured in the series, the problem flared up again, forcing him out of the upcoming white-ball engagements. The exact timeline for his return remains unclear.India will play two T20Is against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28 before travelling to England for a five-match series scheduled on July 1, 4, 7, 9 and 11.
Strong India A performances earn Shedge national call-up
Shedge’s elevation comes on the back of an impressive run with India A in the recently concluded tri-series in Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old middle-order batter scored 147 runs in five matches and also contributed with the ball, sending down 23 overs during the tournament.He had already emerged as one of the standout performers for Mumbai during their victorious Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign in 2024-25. Batting in the lower middle order, Shedge amassed 131 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 251.92, showcasing the finishing ability that has brought him into the selectors’ radar.Even before the official announcement, reports had indicated that Shedge was the frontrunner to replace Nitish because of his recent exploits in Sri Lanka.
India begin preparations for overseas assignments
The Indian squad has already started departing for the Ireland series in batches. One group, comprising Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, bowling coach Morne Morkel and fielding coach T Dilip, left from Chennai, while several players are set to depart from Mumbai.Nitish, who has represented India in 10 Tests, six ODIs and four T20Is, will now focus on rehabilitation with hopes of making a swift return.For Shedge, meanwhile, the call-up represents a major breakthrough and an opportunity to cement his place as India embark on an important white-ball tour of Ireland and England.
