Himanshu Singh, an off-spinner with an action similar to R Ashwin’s, has been picked as India’s net bowler for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

According to reports, the lanky off-spinner, at six-foot-four inches, is one of two bowlers to join the Indian team as a net bowler alongside Yudhvir Singh.

Himanshu, reportedly, impressed the chief selector Ajit Agarkar with his performances in domestic cricket and has been on his radar of late. Hailing from Mumbai, the 21-year-old has already made a name for himself with consistent performances in age-group cricket.

According to The Times of India, Himanshu was picked due to his impressive progress: “Ajit Agarkar 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,” a source was quoted as saying by the outlet.

Who is Himanshu Singh, India’s newest net bowler?

Himanshu has yet to represent Mumbai at the senior level but has played for the team in age-group cricket, in Under-16 and Under-23 competitions. He has also been a part of an NCA emerging camp, picked by the BCCI, last year.

This year, he was picked to play in the Col CK Nayudu Trophy and picked up 38 wickets at an average of 18.92. He was among the top ten wicket-takers in the event and was the star in the quarter-final with figures of 7-64 and 6-78 in the two innings. Himanshu was also picked in the MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association) under-23 Team of 2023/24.

He also played for Mumbai in this season's Buchi Babu tournament and was most recently in action in an Invitational tournament organised by the KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association) in Mysuru. Playing against Andhra in the K Thimmappiah Memorial Tournament, Himanshu ended with 7-73, picking all seven wickets that fell to bowlers in the first innings.

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