India's star batter Sanju Samson has been ruled out of the second T20I against Sri Lanka after picking knee injury in the series opener on Tuesday (January 3).
After India's two-run victory over the Islanders, Sanju didn't travel to Pune. In his absence, Rahul Tripathi might get a chance to feature in India's playing XI in the second T20I on Thursday (January 5).
Tripathi received his maiden T20I call-up against Ireland earlier this year, but he did not made his debut in that series. With Virat Kohli also rested in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, Tripathi can be an ideal candidate to bat at the number three position.
“Sanju sustained the injury while attempting a dive catch in the first over of the Sri Lankan innings in Mumbai. However, he pouched the ball but he lost his balance after the catch and fell on the ground. It was learnt that he picked up swelling post which he sought medical advice,” BCCI said in a media release.
"Team India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson has been ruled out of the remainder of the 3-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Samson hurt his left knee while attempting to field a ball near the boundary ropes during the 1st T20I at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
He was taken for scans and a specialist opinion this afternoon in Mumbai by the BCCI Medical Team and has been advised rest and rehabilitation.
The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Jitesh Sharma as replacement for Sanju Samson. India play the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Pune on 5th January, 2023," the release further added.
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.
Sanju finally got a chance in the first T20. But poor shot selection cost him his wicket. He had the stage set to enthral the Mumbai crowd but he failed.
The star batter once again failed to go big with the willow as he was dismissed after scoring a measly 5 off 6. However, after Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel steadied India's boat after early falter in the batting line up, and steered India to a respectable 162/5. Debutant Shivam Mavi rode on his dream debut and picked four wickets to bundle Sri Lanka to 160 despite Dasun Shanaka's fightback of 45 off 27.
