Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 23: Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge has been included in India’s squads for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England as a replacement for injured Nitish Kumar Reddy, the BCCI announced.

Nitish has been ruled out of both series after reporting discomfort in his left quadriceps following the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai on June 20. The BCCI medical team assessed the injury and advised a rehabilitation period.

“Nitish reported left quadriceps discomfort after the third ODI against Afghanistan on June 20. Following a subsequent medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team has recommended a period of rehabilitation, ruling him out of both T20I series,” the board said in a statement.

With Nitish unavailable and Hardik Pandya also out of contention, India were left with limited seam-bowling all-round options, prompting selectors to draft in Shedge.

The 23-year-old receives his maiden senior India call-up after impressive performances in domestic cricket and India A matches. He played a key role in India A’s recent tri-series campaign in Sri Lanka, scoring 147 runs in five matches while also bowling 23 overs.

Shedge gained wider recognition during Mumbai’s title-winning Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign in the 2024-25 season. Playing as a lower middle-order finisher, he scored 131 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 251.92, showcasing his explosive batting ability and effectiveness as a bowling option.

India will begin their tour with a two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast from Friday, followed by a five-match T20I series against England beginning in Chester-Le-Street on July 1.