Young India Shines As Varun And Hardik Lead Team To Victory Over Bangladesh, Taking 1-0 Series Lead

IPL’s pace sensation Mayank Yadav made a stellar debut, while wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy shone in his T20I return, leading India to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the newly inaugurated Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Despite featuring two debutants and retaining only three players from their T20 World Cup-winning team, India easily outperformed an almost unchanged Bangladesh lineup.

Mayank delivered a promising performance, and Varun marked a successful comeback, helping India dismiss Bangladesh for 127 runs before chasing down the target in just 11.5 overs, aided by quick contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (29), Sanju Samson (29), and Hardik Pandya (39*). This match also marked the return of international cricket to Gwalior after 14 years, with the new stadium hosting its first international event.

MAYANK, ARSHDEEP, VARUN DISMISS BANGLADESH

All eyes were on 22-year-old Mayank Yadav (1/21) even before the toss, and he delivered on his first competitive outing in over five months. Having made a name for himself by consistently bowling at speeds over 150 kmph during the IPL, Mayank showcased his pace in his opening spell of 2-1-3-1. Despite previous concerns regarding his fitness due to a side strain, he eased worries by hitting speeds of 145.7 kmph and 148.7 kmph in his initial overs. Veteran Mahmudullah became Mayank’s first international wicket, catching a ball sliced to Washington Sundar at deep point.

Varun Chakravarthy (3/31), making his return to the team after almost three years, posed significant challenges for Bangladesh’s batters, who found it difficult to read him. His standout moment came when he bowled Jaker Ali with a sharply turning delivery. Although he conceded 15 runs in his opening over, Varun quickly regrouped to dismiss Towhid Hridoy (12), further destabilizing Bangladesh’s innings.

At 64 for five after 10 overs, Bangladesh struggled to recover. India seized the opportunity, with Mayank returning to bowl the 13th and 19th overs, during which the Bangladeshi batters managed to hit a few boundaries off his pace. Nevertheless, Mayank finished strong, delivering a couple of yorkers.

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh (3/14) also played a vital role, removing openers Litton Das and Parvez Hossain Emon in the powerplay before securing his third wicket to close Bangladesh’s innings. Hardik Pandya partnered with Arshdeep to open the bowling for India.