NEW DELHI: BCCI named Suryansh Shedge as Nitish Kumar Reddy’s replacement in the squads for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England after the all-rounder was ruled out with a quadriceps injury.Nitish reported discomfort in his left quadriceps after the third ODI against Afghanistan on June 20. After 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 already missed the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow. Although he played in the series, the problem flared up again, ruling him out of upcoming white-ball engagements. The exact deadline for his return remains unclear.India will play two T20Is against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28 before traveling to England for a five-match series on July 1, 4, 7, 9 and 11.
Strong India A performances to earn a Shedge state invitation
Shedge’s elevation comes after an impressive run with India A in the recently concluded tri-series in Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old middle-order batsman scored 147 runs in five matches and also contributed with the ball, bowling 23 overs during the tournament.He has already emerged as one of the standout performers for Mumbai during their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy winning campaign in 2024-25. Batting in the lower middle order, Shedge amassed 131 runs at an incredible strike rate of 251.92, displaying the finishing ability that put him on the selectors’ radar.Even before the official announcement, reports indicated that Shedge was the frontrunner to replace Nitish due to his recent exploits in Sri Lanka.
India begins preparations for foreign assignments
The Indian team has already started going for the Ireland series in the series. One group, consisting of Sanju SamsonAxar Patel, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, bowling coach Morne Morkel and outfield coach T Dilip have departed from Chennai, while a few players will depart from Mumbai.Nitish, who has represented India in 10 Tests, six ODIs and four T20Is, will now focus on his rehabilitation with the hope of making a quick comeback.For Shedge, meanwhile, the call-up represents a major breakthrough and an opportunity to cement his place as India embark on an important tour of Ireland and England.
