Suryansh Shedge named in Mumbai squad after ODI call-up bus for NZ tour

Suryansh Shedge is in the running for a maiden ODI call-up for India’s tour of New Zealand after impressing with bat and ball against Australia A. The 23-year-old all-rounder was on Thursday named in Mumbai’s 16-man squad for their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D clash against Himachal Pradesh, scheduled for October 18-2.

Shedge took four wickets in 40 runs in the opening match of the unofficial ODI series against Australia A before hitting 66 off 60 balls in the final match, including seven fours and two sixes, to help India A secure a consolation victory.

According to a PTI report, a BCCI source said this Shedge has a strong chance of making the ODI squadwhile India’s busy schedule may affect the selection committee’s decision.

“Shedge has a very high chance of making the ODI squad simply because Nitish Kumar Reddy will have an important role in the Test series as the fourth seamer and floater in the lower order. So Reddy will not play all the ODIs as he has to prepare for the red-ball matches,” a source told PTI.

India are scheduled to play five T20Is and five ODIs against New Zealand before both teams begin their Test assignment. Given the close turnover between the limited-overs legs and the red-ball series, the selectors may have considered a larger ODI squad to handle the workload of players involved in both formats.

Shedge’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball could play in his favor as India look to assess his all-round options. His bowling has reportedly improved considerably and added another dimension to his game as he looks to make the step up to international cricket.

SHEDGE IN MUMBAI RANJI SQUAD

Mumbai will face Himachal Pradesh in Bilaspur after starting their Ranji Trophy campaign with an impressive win over Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai won this match by an innings and 155 runs.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi was also included in the 16-man squad. Mumbai will have to make changes in their top order, with vice-captain Ayush Mhatre was sidelined with a right hamstring injury and India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal join the India A squad for the three-match unofficial Test series in New Zealand.

Raghuvanshi and Divyaansh Saxena are likely to open the innings in their absence, though Mumbai’s final combination will be determined closer to the match.

Former skipper Shardul Thakur will also miss the match as he continues his recovery after sustaining a blow to his hand during pre-season training.

CHANCE TO PUSH FOR INDIA SELECTION

Shedge has already made three T20I appearances for India during the tour of England. He recently returned to competitive cricket after recovering from a hamstring injury and has since strengthened his case with his performances against Australia A.

India’s search for all-rounders has also gained importance with Hardik Pandya’s continued absence from competitive cricket due to injuries. Nitish Kumar Reddy remains another option, but his potential involvement in the Test series could limit his availability for ODIs.

The announcement of the ODI squad has been delayed and the selectors may consider expanding the squad to account for the demanding schedule. Shedge’s recent performances have brought him into contention, although his selection has yet to be confirmed.

For now, the Mumbai all-rounder will look to build on his recent form in the Ranji Trophy. A strong performance against Himachal Pradesh could further boost his credibility as he waits to see if he deserves a place in India’s plans to tour New Zealand.

Mumbai squad for match against Himachal Pradesh: Siddesh Lad (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Suryansh Shedge, Divyaansh Saxena, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Suved Parkar, Akash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Atharva Ankolekar, Tushar Deshou Ashpande, Sh. Tarmal.

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