IND vs SL: Jitesh Sharma replaces injured Samson as India looks to seal series in Pune

Samson injured his knee and stayed back in Mumbai for scans while Arshdeep Singh even missed the first T20I.

Published : Jan 04, 2023 20:12 IST , PUNE

Sanju Samson was ruled out of the remaining series after suffering a knee injury. He was replaced by Jitesh Sharma.
Sanju Samson was ruled out of the remaining series after suffering a knee injury. He was replaced by Jitesh Sharma. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
infoIcon

Sanju Samson was ruled out of the remaining series after suffering a knee injury. He was replaced by Jitesh Sharma. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

After escaping a late charge by the Sri Lankan allrounders at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, Hardik Pandya and Co. - along with their islander counterparts - took a bus ride on Wednesday afternoon to the home of Maharashtra cricket for the 2nd T20I.

The Indian team management has been fretting over fitness of two of its key members in its bid to seal the series.

Sanju Samson is set to miss the 2nd match, after hurting his knee in the series-opener. In the 13th over of Sri Lanka’s chase, Samson jammed his knee while fielding at long-on, thanks to a rugged Wankhede outfield. Jitesh Sharma, the Vidarbha batter-keeper, has been drafted in his place as cover for Ishan Kishan.

While the team travelled to Pune, Samson stayed back in Mumbai, awaiting reports of his scan. Samson’s injury adds to India’s injury woes. The left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh who was supposed to lead the inexperienced pace attack was missing in action on Tuesday.

Despite being involved in high-catches drill during the squad’s warm-up, Arshdeep was said to be unavailable for selection due to an ailment. Having travelled to the city where he first impressed head coach Rahul Dravid during the Under-19 Challenger Trophy ahead of the 2018 U-19 World Cup, Arshdeep will be keen to pitch his trademark yorkers.

If Arshdeep is available, India will be in a quandary over whether to bench Harshal Patel or Shivam Mavi. While Harshal had a decent outing, Mavi made the most of his maiden appearance by emerging as only the third Indian bowler to pick four wickets on T20I debut. Umran Malik, having bowled a ferocious delivery that clocked 155 kph on the speed gun to dismiss Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, is indispensable.

With Samson unavailable, the local crowd will be hoping for Rahul Tripathi’s long wait for his debut cap to end at his home ground. Ever since his maiden call-up to India’s squad last year, Tripathi has been a part of the squad for four T20Is and nine ODIs so far without getting a look-in.

With Ruturaj Gaikwad also in the reserves, it will be the first time an international will be played at Gahunje with two hometown heroes in the squad. While the locals will be hoping for both of them to feature in the game, Samson’s injury has opened the doors for Tripathi to be given a go.

Be it Samson or Tripathi, the onus will be on them to ensure India doesn’t stutter in the middle overs, like it did on Tuesday. If it can dominate the Lankan spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, the series can definitely be sealed on Thursday night.

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

Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (capt.), Wanindu Hasaranga (Vice-capt.), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Kusal Mendis (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ashen Bandara, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment