Indian star batter Sanju Samson has been ruled out of the remaining T20I series against Sri Lanka due to a knee injury. He was injured while fielding during the first T20I.
“Samson hurt his left knee while attempting to field a ball near the boundary ropes during the first T20I,” a BCCI release stated. “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.”
India won the first T20 by just 2 runs. Earlier in the match, Samson was dismissed for 5 as the hosts found it tough before Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel lifted them to a respectable 162 for 5. A memorable debut spell by Shivam Mavi did the job for team India. Samson had also dropped Pathum Nissanka in the first over of Sri Lanka’s chase. He was really struggling in the field also.
Jitesh Sharma has been added to India’s squad as a backup keeper for Ishan Kishan for the next two T20Is. Jitesh had a decent season for Punjab Kings last year in the IPL, scoring 234 in 12 outings with a strike rate of 163.63. He was one of the best finishers in the previous IPL edition
Jitesh also had an amazing SMAT for Vidarbha, scoring 224 runs in ten games at a strike rate of 175.00.
The injury to Samson might allow Rahul Tripathi to make his debut. Tripathi has traveled with the Indian squad for a while but is yet to get a game. If not Rahul Tripathi Ruturaj Gaikwad has a decent chance in place of Sanju Samson
India lead the three-match series 1-0. The second T20I will take place at MCA Stadium in Pune on Thursday.