Sanju Samson scored 58 runs off 45 balls in his last T20I innings vs Zimbabwe. [Getty Images]
Sanju Samson has been left out of India’s playing XI for their T20I opener against Sri Lanka at Pallekele on Saturday, July 27. Rishabh Pant has been included as the first-choice wicketkeeper.
Samson’s axe comes after he returned with scores of 0, unbeaten 12, and 58 in his three outings against Zimbabwe. On the other hand, Pant is making a comeback after scoring 171 runs in eight games at the 2024 T20 World Cup. The left-hander had failed to deliver in crucial games, including Super 8 vs Australia (15 runs), semifinal vs England (4), and final vs South Africa (duck).
Pant, however, has 48 dismissals in 60 innings, including 10 stumpings. Meanwhile, Samson has 11 dismissals in 13 innings, including four stumpings.
At the toss, India’s new T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav said:
“Dube, Samson, Khaleel and Washington are the four players to miss out.”
“He will have to grab those opportunities” – Robin Uthappa on Sanju Samson
Former India batter Robin Uthappa recently said that his Kerala teammate will have to deliver in whatever opportunities that come his way, especially after his snub from ODIs for the Sri Lanka series. The cricketer-turned-commentator told Sony Sports Network (via India Today):
“So, I think Sanju is not out of contention as with any other player. I think. It’s a matter of time, and he will get his opportunity, but when the opportunities do come, he will have to grab those opportunities to make sure he steps up with solid performances that keep him in the running.”
“From Sanju’s perspective, this is not the first time he has gone through it? I don’t think it will be the last time he will go through it as a player, but Sanju’s one-day numbers have been quite incredible. I think, again, with changes in leadership group or changes within the leadership group. Things have to kind of settle down a little bit and we as fans and supporters of the Indian cricket team have to give that space to kind of settle down as well,” he added.
In the match, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and chose to bowl against India.
