Selectors name uncapped Indian wicketkeeper as Sanju Samson’s replacement for Sri Lanka T20I series

Sanju Samson, the notable Indian wicketkeeper, was ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka that kicked off on January 3, Tuesday, on the back of an injury that he sustained post-diving at the ropes during the contest. After being taken for the scans, the right-handed batter was advised to rest and the board decided to rope in an uncapped player. 

Jitesh Sharma, the Indian wicketkeeper, who had a stupendous outing in the Indian T20 League 2022 with the Punjab franchise, earned his national call-up and the star would hope for a debut, given his proven potential on Indian soil. Speaking of his records with the Punjab team in the 2022 edition, the batter amassed 234 runs at a strike rate of 163.64. 

With an average close to 30, Jitesh was one of the players who grabbed attention over the course of the league, last year. With 2023 getting off to a flyer, the Indian batter would hope to count on the opportunity and cement his place in the squad, although one has to agree that the chances of him continuing post the return of Samson are highly unlikely. 

“Samson hurt his left knee while attempting to field a ball near the boundary ropes during the first T20I. He was taken for scans and a specialist opinion this afternoon in Mumbai by the Indian cricket board Medical Team and has been advised rest and rehabilitation. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Jitesh Sharma as replacement for Sanju Samson” the Indian cricket board’s statement read. 

India, Sri Lanka lock horns in second clash on Thursday

As things stand, the Hardik Pandya-led Indian team will square off against the Sri Lankan team in the second T20I on Thursday and with India leading 1-0, it would be a tough ask for the Lankan Lions to make a comeback in the series. However, the chances of Sri Lanka winning the series are not completely ruled out as they are well-known for their strong comebacks. 

On the other hand, India are hoping to continue with the form and Shivam Mavi, the star debutant who bagged four-for to his name the other day, would look to continue the same during the second T20I as well. Umran Malik, India’s fastest bowler, clocked 155 km/h during his spell, registering the fastest-ever delivery bowled by an Indian pacer.