IND vs ZIM 3rd T20 India Playing XI: Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal to Play?

India is gearing up for the third T20I against Zimbabwe, scheduled for Wednesday (July 10) in Harare, with a selection conundrum on their hands. The arrival of Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, all fresh from their T20 World Cup triumph, has presented the team management with some tough decisions.

Samson, Dube, and Jaiswal were initially part of the 15-member squad for the Zimbabwe tour but missed the first two matches due to a delayed arrival from Barbados and subsequent World Cup victory celebrations. To cover for their absence, the BCCI had named B Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana.

With the series now level at 1-1 after India’s emphatic bounce-back win in the second T20I, ICT must decide how to integrate the returning stars. India suffered a surprise loss in the opening match but corrected course in the second, thanks to standout performances from Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Rinku Singh.

In the second T20I, Sai Sudharsan made his debut, replacing pacer Khaleel Ahmed. While Sudharsan did not get a chance to bat, the top-order trio of Abhishek Sharma, Gaikwad, and Rinku ensured India’s dominance. Abhishek Sharma, who failed in his debut, bounced back with a rapid century. Gaikwad scored an unbeaten 77, while Rinku contributed a blistering 48 off 22 balls.

Given these performances, significant changes in the top order seem unlikely. However, the arrival of Samson, Dube, and Jaiswal offers additional options, particularly for wicketkeeping and all-rounder roles.

IND vs ZIM 3rd T20 India Playing XI

Sai Sudharsan is likely to make way for Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the batting order. Sanju Samson could replace Dhruv Jurel as the wicketkeeper-batter. Shivam Dube can be included in place of Riyan Parag.