IND vs SL: Sanju Samson Ruled Out of India vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I. Jitesh Sharma named replacement

India is currently locking horns with Bangladesh in three-match T20I series. The hosts have taken a 1-0 lead in the series and with two more games remaining their prime focus will be on sealing the series in the second game itself. The remaining two games will be played on the 5th and 7th of January in Pune and Rajkot respectively.

IND vs SL: Sanju Samson Ruled Out of India vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I

With the second game just a few hours away from now, India has suffered a blow as keeper-batter Sanju Samson has been ruled out of the series with a knee injury. The right-hander injured himself while fielding in the first game near the boundary rope.

Samson didn’t travel with the team to Pune for the second game as he was feeling some discomfort in his knee and stayed back in Mumbai for scans. He now has been advised to rest and rehabilitation by the medical team.

Samson had a poor outing in the first game as he managed just 5 runs. He looked scratchy in his innings as he tried a wild hoik that saw him back in the hut. A source in BCCI also confirmed the development.

His injury could well be a blessing in disguise for Rahul Tripathi, who is now likely to make his debut in the second game. Tripathi notably has been travelling with a team for a while but is yet to make his debut. He had a sensational domestic season and is expected to continue his good form on an international stage.

NEWS – Sanju Samson ruled out of the remainder of T20I series.

The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Jitesh Sharma as replacement for Sanju Samson.

More details here – https://t.co/0PMIjvONn6 #INDvSL @mastercardindia

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 4, 2023

IND vs SL: Jitesh Sharma added to India squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka

With Samson likely to miss the last two games of the series, BCCI has added Vidarbha and Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma to the squad. The right-hander will be a cover for Ishan Kishan in the next two games.

BCCI source confirmed the development, saying “The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Jitesh Sharma as a replacement for Sanju Samson.”

Notably, Jitesh made himself a name during IPL 2022, where he played many eye-catching knocks and guided his side home. He then performed equally well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well and based on his performances he has been rewarded a call-up.

Here’s India’s updated squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: 

Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.