Who is Himanshu Singh, net bowler with Ashwin-like action chosen to help India prepare for Bangladesh Tests?

After more than a month-long break, Team India is ready to return to action in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The Indian players have been resting since their white-ball series against Sri Lanka, though many top stars returned to red-ball cricket last week in the Duleep Trophy. The BCCI recently announced India's squad for the first Test, with significant highlights including the return of Rishabh Pant and a debut call-up for pacer Yash Dayal.

Young spinner Himanshu Singh called up for practice camp

As the series against Bangladesh nears, Team India is ramping up preparations. According to a report by the Times of India, the Indian team will convene for a training camp in Chennai before the first Test. Among the key decisions for the camp, the BCCI has invited young Mumbai spinner Himanshu Singh to assist with preparations.

Himanshu, a promising 21-year-old cricketer, has been asked to join the team camp on September 12 to help bowl to India's batters as they fine-tune their skills ahead of the series. Himanshu's selection has been attributed to his bowling action, which is said to bear a striking resemblance to that of India¡¯s star off-spinner R Ashwin.

Why was Himanshu Singh chosen for such a key role?

Despite being only 21, Himanshu has already created a buzz in Mumbai¡¯s cricketing community. Although he has yet to represent Mumbai at the senior level, his performances at the youth level have been remarkable. A source told the newspaper, "Ajit Agarkar (India's chief selector) and his co-selectors have been impressed with Himanshu for a while and have been tracking his progress. He is tall (six foot four inches) and has an action similar to that of Ashwin."

In a recent standout performance during the Dr. (Capt) K Thimmappiah Memorial Tournament, Himanshu took 7 wickets for 74 runs while playing for Mumbai against Andhra, showcasing his talent on a larger stage.

Key performances and upcoming opportunities

Though Himanshu is still awaiting a senior debut, he has made his mark in age-group cricket, having played for Mumbai¡¯s U-16 and U-23 teams. Additionally, he was part of the BCCI's emerging players' camp, further enhancing his growth as a cricketer. In the Col CK Nayudu Trophy, Himanshu claimed 38 wickets at an impressive average of 18.92, and his 7-64 and 6-78 in a crucial quarter-final earned him a spot in Mumbai¡¯s U-23 team for the 2023/24 season.

Recently, Himanshu played in the Buchi Babu tournament and was also involved in an Invitational tournament organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association. His exceptional bowling during the K Thimmappiah Memorial Tournament, where he claimed 7 wickets for 73 runs, solidified his reputation as a rising talent.

Also Read: Who is Nahid Rana, Bangladesh's emerging cricket sensation behind Pakistan's batting collapse?

As India prepares for the upcoming Test series, Himanshu Singh¡¯s role in assisting the squad will be vital. Team India, looking to work on their weaknesses against spin bowling, especially after recent struggles against Sri Lankan spinners, aims to sharpen their skills for the challenge posed by Bangladesh¡¯s strong spin attack.

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