Why is Sanju Samson not playing today's IND vs ZIM 1st T20I?

India wicketkeeper-batter and Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson will not feature for the new-look T20I side against Zimbabwe on Saturday, July 6. He was part of India's men's 2024 T20 World Cup squad, whose departure from the West Indies got delayed due to the severe hurricane Beryl.

Samson was supposed to leave for Zimbabwe after the T20 World Cup. But after India won the title by beating South Africa by seven runs in Barbados, the squad was charted to India to partake in victory celebrations, including a full-fledged parade in Mumbai and a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It's slightly unfortunate for him to miss the series. He didn't get a game at the T20 World Cup and the five T20Is against Zimbabwe could've been his chance to cement his place in India's 11. Some even considered him a captaincy candidate, thanks to his experience and pedigree at Rajasthan Royals.

Who has replaced Sanju Samson in India's squad?

Samson's absence has proven to be a blessing for Punjab Kings wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma. The talented lower-order hitter was in the running for a place in India's T20 World Cup squad before IPL 2024. But a poor season, where he scored 187 runs at an average of 17 and a strike rate of 131.69, cut him off and put Samson in front.

Although Jitesh has replaced Samson, it remains to be seen whether he starts on Saturday as India already had Dhruv Jurel in the team. Jurel made quick strides with the Test side earlier this year and could be seen as the first choice despite being uncapped in T20Is.

Now, although Rishabh Pant (who's rested from this series) and Samson are at the top of the wicketkeeping pecking order for India's T20I side, Jurel and Jitesh could make their case by performing consistently till the 2026 T20 World Cup edition.

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