Sachin Tendulkar, India batting legend, took to Twitter on Sunday to congratulate Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Rahul Tewatia after the trio earned their maiden call-up to the Indian team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 19-member squad for the upcoming five-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against England on Saturday. “Heartiest congratulations @ishankishan51, @rahultewatia02 & @surya_14kumar for your maiden call up to the Indian Team, and also to @chakaravarthy29, who missed out in Australia. Playing for India is the highest honour for any cricketer. Wishing you all a lot of success,” Tendulkar tweeted.

Heartiest congratulations @ishankishan51, @rahultewatia02 & @surya_14kumar for your maiden call up to the Indian Team, and also to @chakaravarthy29, who missed out in Australia.

Playing for is the highest honour for any cricketer.

Wishing you all a lot of success.

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 21, 2021

Suryakumar, who was pushing his case for a place in the Indian squad with consistent performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), was finally rewarded for his hard work.

Suryakumar’s IPL teammate Ishan Kishan also found a place in the squad, just hours after smashing his highest list A score — 173 against Madhya Pradesh.

Tewatia, who broke into the scene by smashing five sixes in an over off West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell, had a breakout season last year in the IPL and was duly rewarded with a place in the squad. 

Promoted

Rishabh Pant also made a return to the Indian squad to take on England after missing the limited overs leg against Australia Down Under.

While Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the T20I series, Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to international cricket after a long injury layoff.