Yesterday evening, BCCI announced Sanju Samson as a replacement for injured Shikhar Dhawan. Sanju Samson has been included in the squad for a five-match T20I series against the Kiwis.
Shikhar Dhawan who injured his shoulder in the 3rd ODI against Australia was sent back to the dressing room and didn’t play in the second innings of the game. Dhawan’s injury has paved a way for Sanju Samson’s return to the Indian team.
Another big announcement in this selection was the inclusion of Prithvi Shaw in the ODI squad for the three-match series. This can be a major boost to the young cricketer’s International career as he has been included in the senior team for the first time since his doping ban. Prithvi was handed a ban of 8 months for doping the violation during the 2018-19 domestic season.
After his ban was got lifted in November 2019, he played some fiery knocks in the Ranjhi Trophy.
Both Prithvi Shaw and Sanju Samson are promising young players and they will be the ones to watch out for in the upcoming series against the Kiwis. Both the batsmen have proved their worth in the domestic cricket arena and surely are eager to confirm their place in the Indian squad.
It will be a gutsy series between India and New Zealand. While team India is sprinting with confidence after an amazing series win against Australia, the Kiwis will be in a mood to bounce back in their home soil after the white-wash they witnessed against the Kangaroos in their front yard.
The first T20I of the five-match series will be played on 22 January 2020 (Friday).