No Barriers, Just Boundaries: India Hosts Its First Mixed Disability T20I Series
Under the winter sun of January, Indian cricket is set to witness a chapter that goes far beyond runs and wickets. For the first time ever, the Indian men’s mixed disability cricket team will host England in a five-match T20I series, a landmark moment not just for the sport, but for inclusion and representation in Indian cricket. Beginning on January 29 and concluding on February 6, the series is a statement that disability cricket in India has arrived, ready to compete, grow, and inspire on its own terms.Venues That Carry New DreamsThe series will open with the first three matches at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Greater Noida before moving to Jaipur for the final two games. For many Indian players, these grounds are more than venues; they are validation. Playing an international series at home offers familiarity, crowd support, and something intangible yet powerful: belonging. India head coach Rohit Jhalani, former Rajasthan Ranji captain, believes this home series will be different. Reflecting on the England tour, he admitted the learning curve was steep. “Last time when we were in the UK, it was our first time, and we had little experience. This time, we are better prepared,” he said. Preparation, for India, has meant bold change. The squad has undergone a significant overhaul, with 11 new players drafted into the team. The transformation reflects not instability, but ambition—a clear attempt to raise standards and deepen the talent pool across disability categories.Scouting, Camps, and New HopeThe rebuilding process began the moment the team returned from England. Nationwide scouting camps and regional tournaments became talent pipelines. Players like Sibun Nanda from Odisha and Deepak Kumar from Uttar Pradesh have emerged strongly in the Deaf category. In the Physical Disability group, additions such as Majid and Wasim Iqbal bring balance and experience. Jhalani emphasised that this team is the result of months of observation, trials, and performance-based selection.“Overall, we’ve got a good team, and being in India, the conditions are in our favour,” he said, while also acknowledging England’s longer experience in the format. Led by Ravindra Sante (PD) with Vivek Kumar (Deaf) as vice-captain, the Indian squad reflects diversity not just in skill but in life journeys. Players across Physical Disability, Deaf, and Intellectual Disability categories come together as one team, wearing the same jersey, chasing the same dream. From wicketkeepers like Krishna Gowda and Yogender Badoriya to all-round contributors such as Sandeep, Rizwan, Tarun, Soham, and Jayesh, the team is a blend of strength and raw hunger. Reserve players Akash Patil and Shariq Majeed stand ready, representing the growing depth in Indian disability cricket.More Than a SeriesThis series is not just about results. It is about visibility, dignity, and the message that elite sport belongs to everyone. For players who have overcome physical, sensory, and intellectual barriers, stepping onto an international field in India is itself a victory. Every match played is a reminder that cricket’s true spirit lies in opportunity. As the first ball is bowled in Greater Noida, it will carry more than pace or spin. It will carry years of struggle, months of preparation, and the quiet determination of athletes who refused to be sidelined. Whether India levels the contest or England retains dominance, one thing is certain: men’s mixed disability cricket in India has taken a giant leap forward, and the journey has only just begun. INDIA MEN’S MIXED DISABILITY T20I SQUADvs England╚══════════════════════════════════╝CAPTAINRavindra Sante (Physical Disability)VICE-CAPTAINVivek Kumar (Deaf)────────────────────────────DEAF CATEGORYAkash SinghSibun NandaKrishna Gowda (Wicketkeeper)Deepak Kumar────────────────────────────PHYSICAL DISABILITY (PD)Jithendra VNMajidWasim IqbalYogender Badoriya (Wicketkeeper)────────────────────────────INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY (ID)SandeepRizwanTarunSohamJayesh────────────────────────────RESERVESAkash Patil (PD)Shariq Majeed (Deaf)