New Delhi: Punjab Kings all-rounder Suryansh Shedge has received his maiden call-up to the Indian national team, replacing injured all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the squads for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development after Reddy was ruled out due to a left quadriceps injury. The injury was reported following the third ODI against Afghanistan on June 20, and subsequent medical assessments have advised a period of rehabilitation.
Injury setback for Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy sustained discomfort in his left quadriceps during the recent ODI series. An MRI scan later revealed swelling along with fibre disruption, forcing him to withdraw from both T20I assignments.
According to the BCCI medical team, Reddy will require a minimum of four weeks to recover, although the timeline could extend depending on his rehabilitation progress. He has been asked to report to the Centre of Excellence for further assessment and treatment before beginning his return-to-play protocols.
Reddy, who has represented India in 10 Tests, 6 ODIs and 4 T20Is, was also seen as a potential option to fill the void left by Hardik Pandya, who is currently dealing with a quadriceps niggle and is not fit to bowl extended spells.
Strong performances earn Shedge selection
Suryansh Shedge’s inclusion comes on the back of consistent performances at the domestic and India A levels. The 23-year-old impressed in the recently concluded tri-series in Sri Lanka, where he showcased his all-round abilities.
Batting in the middle order, Shedge scored 147 runs in five matches and also contributed with the ball, delivering 23 overs across the tournament. His ability to balance both batting and bowling responsibilities made him a strong contender for selection.
He was also a key performer for Mumbai during their successful Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024–25 campaign. Shedge scored 131 runs at an impressive strike rate of 251.92 in the lower middle order, highlighting his capability as a finisher.
Opportunity on the international stage
The upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England presents a significant opportunity for Shedge to make an impact at the highest level. His selection reflects the team management’s focus on rewarding domestic performers and building bench strength.
As India continues to experiment with its squad combinations ahead of major international tournaments, players like Shedge have the chance to cement their place in the national setup through consistent performances.
Focus on squad depth
The injury to Nitish Kumar Reddy once again highlights the importance of squad depth in international cricket. With multiple players dealing with fitness concerns, the selectors are keen to identify and groom backup options who can step in when required.
Shedge’s all-round abilities provide balance to the squad and offer flexibility in team combinations, particularly in the T20 format where adaptability is crucial.
Conclusion
Suryansh Shedge’s maiden call-up marks a significant milestone in his career and underscores the importance of domestic cricket as a pathway to the national team. While the opportunity comes under unfortunate circumstances due to Reddy’s injury, it opens the door for a promising young talent to showcase his skills on the international stage.
With challenging series against Ireland and England ahead, all eyes will be on Shedge as he looks to make a strong impression and justify the faith placed in him by the selectors.