Mumbai,jul 2
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the addition of opener Sai Sudarshan, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma and pacer Harshit Rana as replacements for Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe.The first match of the five-game series will be played on July 6 at the Harare Sports Club. The last T20I will be played on July 14 at the same venue, which will host all the five games.Samson, Dube and Yashasvi, the winners of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad, are currently stuck in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl.A statement by BCCI said, “The Men’s Selection Committee has named Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma and Harshit Rana as replacements for Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe.”Originally slated to join the Zimbabwe-bound squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series starting Saturday, July 6, the trio will travel to India first with the rest of the ICC T20 World Cup-winning Indian squad before departing for Harare.The World Cup-winning Indian cricket team remained stranded in Barbados after a Category 4 hurricane hit the Caribbean islands at Bridgeton in Barbados which has imposed a lockdown. Flights have been cancelled delaying the team’s departure. Hurricane Beryl with Strong winds and rain due to hurricane Beryl lashing through Barbados and neighbouring islands since Sunday. Electricity and water supply have also been affected in the country, which hosted the ICC T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa.
Currently, the Men in Blue are staying at a hotel in Barbados as the main international airport was shut. Speaking to reporters, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah who is accompanying the team said that they are “stuck” in Barbados and will think about the felicitation once the travel plans are clear.”Like you we are also stuck here. After the travel plans are clear, we will think about the felicitation,” Shah was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying.The squad features just two players from the main squad for the T20 World Cup: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. The rest of the squad who are part of T20 WC has been rested.
Zimbabwe Squad for T20I Series against India: Sikandar Raza (captain), Akram Faraz, Bennett Brian, Campbell Johnathan, Chatara Tendai, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mavuta Brandon, Muzarabani Blessing, Myers Dion, Naqvi Antum, Ngarava Richard, Shumba Milton.
India’s squad for 1st & 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe: Shubman Gill (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Harshit Rana.
