The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that all-rounder Rajvardhan Hangargekar will replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England. The decision comes after Reddy was ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during a domestic match.
Injury and Replacement Details
Nitish Kumar Reddy, who had been in impressive form in domestic cricket, suffered a hamstring strain while playing for his state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. According to BCCI sources, the injury required a recovery period that would have kept him out of action for the next three to four weeks, making him unavailable for the T20I assignments. The board's medical team confirmed the severity after scans.
Rajvardhan Hangargekar, the 23-year-old all-rounder from Maharashtra, has earned his maiden call-up to the senior Indian team. He has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represents Chennai Super Kings. Hangargekar is known for his hard-hitting batting and medium-pace bowling, which adds depth to the squad.
Squad Update and Schedule
The BCCI has confirmed that Hangargekar will join the squad for the Ireland T20I series, which begins on August 18 in Dublin, followed by the England T20I series starting August 25 in Nottingham. The selectors believe his inclusion strengthens the team's balance, providing an additional bowling option in the middle overs.
India's squad for the T20I series includes captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and other regulars. The team is looking to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year. BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated, "We are confident that Rajvardhan will make the most of this opportunity. His performances in domestic cricket have been outstanding."
Hangargekar's Domestic Credentials
Rajvardhan Hangargekar has amassed over 800 runs and taken 35 wickets in List A cricket, with a strike rate of 145 in T20s. He was the leading run-scorer for Maharashtra in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 342 runs at an average of 48.85. His best bowling figures in T20s are 4/22. Hangargekar said, "It's a dream come true to be called up to the national team. I am ready to give my best."
Impact on Team Strategy
Hangargekar's inclusion gives the team management a like-for-like replacement for Reddy, who was also a batting all-rounder. The selectors have opted for a player with similar attributes to maintain the squad's balance. With the T20 World Cup approaching, these series are crucial for finalizing the playing XI. India will play three T20Is against Ireland and two against England.
