The Board of Control for Cricket in India or BCCI has announced key changes to the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, with Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana stepping in as replacements. These adjustments come as Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal remain stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl.
The five-match series will commence on July 6 at Harare Sports Club, with the final game slated for July 14 at the same venue. The replacements were necessitated as the original players are unable to travel due to severe weather conditions in the Caribbean.
A BCCI statement read, “The Men’s Selection Committee has named Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana as replacements for Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe.”
The stranded World Cup-winning squad, along with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, is currently in Barbados awaiting clearer travel plans. Flights have been cancelled, and the international airport has been shut down due to the Category 4 hurricane, causing significant delays.
The revised Indian squad will feature new faces alongside seasoned players. While only Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson from the main T20 World Cup squad were initially included, the situation has necessitated further changes. Other notable players like Rinku Singh, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed have also been added to strengthen the squad.
Zimbabwe Cricket has revealed their roster for the series, highlighting the inclusion of young talents such as Belgian-born Antum Naqvi, pending citizenship confirmation. Under new head coach Justin Sammons, Zimbabwe aims to rebuild after missing out on the T20 World Cup 2024, with an average squad age of 27 and 558 collective T20I appearances.
India’s squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Reddy, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Tushar Deshpande.
India’s squad for 1st & 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe: Shubman Gill (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Harshit Rana.
Zimbabwe Squad for T20I Series against India: Sikandar Raza (captain), Akram Faraz, Bennett Brian, Campbell Johnathan, Chatara Tendai, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mavuta Brandon, Muzarabani Blessing, Myers Dion, Naqvi Antum, Ngarava Richard, Shumba Milton.
