New Delhi, June 24: Sunyash Shedge has been named in the Indian T20 team for the first time following Nitish Kumar Reddy’s exclusion from the squad for the Ireland and England tour. Former cricketer and national selector Jatin Paranjpe believes that Shedge’s international career is poised for longevity.
Paranjpe stated that Shedge possesses both the skills and mental strength necessary to compete at the international level for the next decade. In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, he remarked, “He is a natural T20 player, and this experience will be beneficial for him. He will realize that international cricket comes with more pressure and pace compared to the IPL. It may take him three to four matches to adapt to this environment. However, I am confident that he has the capability and mental fortitude to play for India for the next ten years.”
Shedge is known for his aggressive batting and medium-pace bowling. His impressive recent performances earned him a spot on the national team. In IPL 2026, he scored 158 runs at an average of 39.50 and a strike rate of 175.55 over seven innings. He also made significant contributions in the India A’s triangular series victory in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, scoring 147 runs at a strike rate of 120.49 and bowling 23 overs.
Jatin Paranjpe, who has been training Shedge at the Vasu Paranjpe Cricket Center in Mumbai for the past two years, believes that there is no better time or opportunity for Shedge to make his debut for the national team.
He expressed, “I am obviously very happy for him. The tour of Ireland and England is perfectly suited for an all-rounder like Sunyash. The conditions there will provide some movement in the air and off the pitch. From a batting perspective, I think he will enjoy these conditions. When a player starts their international career, several factors need to align in their favor, including the location of their debut. I am quite excited about this.”
Discussing his work with Shedge over the past two years, Paranjpe noted that the focus was on refining the player’s skills rather than completely changing his game. He mentioned that they worked on technical aspects of both batting and bowling, with the primary goal of enhancing Shedge’s overall performance.
Paranjpe highlighted Shedge’s impressive track record with Mumbai, noting his crucial role in winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy during the 2024-25 season.
He added, “Clearly, he is a highly capable player, and it’s essential to reassure him mentally and convey that we believe in him as much as he believes in himself. Much of our work has revolved around discussing matches, helping him navigate through them, and understanding his thought process.”
Paranjpe also shared insights from his own cricketing experiences with Shedge. Fortunately, Shedge was able to relate to these experiences, which contributed to his strong IPL performance. He further noted that Shedge’s series with India A in Sri Lanka was also successful, indicating that exciting opportunities and challenges lie ahead for him.
The former cricketer emphasized, “The simpler you keep the game, the better it will be. All great players in the world keep things simple. We discussed how his self-talk should be when facing each ball and how to maintain that simplicity consistently. We worked on many small details.”
He continued, “We also focused on some technical aspects, like making the flow of his bat more seamless. This is just the beginning of his career. I hope to continue understanding him better as a cricketer and as a person and to support him in the future.” Shreyas Iyer is leading the T20 team, while Shubman Gill is at the helm of the ODI squad.
Paranjpe assured that whenever Shedge gets the opportunity, he will be well taken care of. He remarked, “Not just Shreyas, but don’t forget that Shubman is also a young captain. I have observed Shubman closely. He shows a lot of empathy as a captain. If Sunyash secures a place in the playing eleven, I believe Shubman will guide him effectively, as he understands the nerves, stress, and excitement that come with the initial matches.”
When asked if Shedge might also get a chance in the ODI team during the upcoming England tour, Paranjpe expressed optimism. He noted that given the current circumstances, selectors might include him in the team, but the final decision rests with them.
Paranjpe acknowledged the sacrifices made by Shedge’s parents, Prashant and Priyadarshini, who left their banking jobs to support his cricketing career. He emphasized that understanding and strengthening a player’s support system is also a coach’s responsibility.
He mentioned that Shedge’s parents have always been supportive and stood by him at every step. Shedge has had a deep passion for cricket since childhood, and his family has consistently backed him. Now, the focus is on ensuring that he receives the right guidance and support.
Paranjpe praised Shedge’s character, noting that he remains grateful for every opportunity he receives. According to him, as a player progresses, they realize how fortunate they are, and Shedge has embraced this sentiment well.
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