Sports

India Announces Squad For Historic Mixed Disability T20 Series In England

The Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) has announced a 16-member squad for the historic seven-match International T20 series against England, scheduled for June and July 2025.

This marks India’s first mixed disability team tour abroad, bringing together players from physical, hearing, and intellectual disability categories.

Ravindra Sante To Lead; Virendra Singh Named Deputy In T20 Series

Ravindra Gopinath Sante will captain the Indian team, while Virendra Singh has been named vice-captain.

The squad blends experience and diverse ability representation, symbolising India’s inclusive sporting vision.

The series, hosted in collaboration with the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), will be played at premier venues across England.

Notably, India and England Women will play before the sixth T20I on July 1 in Bristol as part of a double-header.

Coaches Emphasise Readiness And Unity In T20 Series

Head coach Rohit Jhalani praised the team’s commitment, saying, “This team competes with the intensity of any elite squad. Their focus and passion are unmatched, they’re ready for the international arena.”

Coach of the Deaf Team, Santosh Kumar Rai, added, “Integrating deaf athletes with other disability categories is a milestone. This team’s unity and discipline will leave a global mark.”

Pre-Tour Camp Scheduled In Jaipur

The team will undergo a week-long national training camp in Jaipur from June 7 to 14.

The camp will focus on physical fitness, strategy, and team synergy to prepare for the England tour.

Ravikant Chauhan, DCCI General Secretary, called the series a defining moment, “Playing at Lord’s – the Home of Cricket – is a dream. We hope the BCCI supports our team just as the ECB backs theirs.”

DCCI Vice-President Sumit Jain added, “This squad represents courage, purpose, and vision. We are confident they will make India proud.”

Full Squad

Captain: Ravindra Gopinath Sante (PD)
Vice-Captain: Virendra Singh (Deaf)
Vikrant Ravindra Keni (PD), Radhika Prasad (PD), Rajesh Irappa Kannur (PD), Yogendra Singh (Wicket-Keeper), Narendra Mangore (PD)
Sai Akash (Deaf), Umar Ashraf (Deaf), Sanju Sharma (Deaf), Abhishek Singh (Deaf), Vivek Kumar (Deaf)
Vikas Ganeshkumar (ID), Praveen Nailwal (ID), Rishabh Jain (ID), Tarun (ID)

Reserves: Majid Magray (PD), Kuldeep Singh (Deaf), Krishna Gowda (Deaf), Jithendra Nagaraju (PD)