NEW DELHI: World Cup-winning wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was on Monday left out of India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe later this month after a poor run of form.
The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, announced a 15-member squad with Shreyas Iyer as captain. Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi retained his place after making his international debut against England.
Fast bowlers Ashok Sharma and Yash Thakur received their maiden India call-ups, while Punjab wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh also earned his first senior national team selection.
India will play three T20Is against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 23, 25 and 27.
Poor run costs Samson his place
Samson’s omission comes after a disappointing run with the bat.
The Kerala wicketkeeper was dropped from India’s playing XI for the second T20I against England after scoring just one run off seven balls in the series opener at Durham.
Before that, he managed scores of 0 and 5 in the two-match T20I series against Ireland.
Despite playing a key role in India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph and winning the Player of the Tournament award, Samson failed to build on that success and has now lost his place in the squad.
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Three players receive maiden India call-ups
The selectors rewarded three players with their first senior India call-ups.
Rajasthan pacer Ashok, who was recently drafted into the India A squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka, has now been included in the T20I squad.
Yash Thakur also earned his maiden call-up after impressive domestic performances.
Punjab wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran also received his maiden call-up after impressive performances in domestic circuit and IPL.
Express pacer Mayank Yadav also returned to the national squad for the first time since 2024.
India’s T20I squad for Zimbabwe
Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, Varun Chakaravarathy, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav and Prabhsimran Singh (WK).
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Shivam Dube replaces Nitish Kumar Reddy in ODI squad
The Men’s Selection Committee also announced one change to India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against England.
All-rounder Shivam Dube has replaced the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy.
India’s ODI squad for Zimbabwe
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar and Shivam Dube.
