Jitesh Sharma, a wicketkeeper-batter for Vidarbha and Punjab Kings, has been called up to the Indian national team as cover for the remainder of the T20I series against Sri Lanka due to an injury sustained by Sanju Samson. This marks the first time that Jitesh has been called up to the national team.
According to a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Samson hurt his left knee while fielding in the first T20I and has been advised to rest and undergo rehabilitation. The injury occurred as Samson was attempting to field a ball near the boundary ropes.
Sanju Samson was forced to leave the field in the first T20I against Sri Lanka due to a knee injury. The incident occurred in the 13th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, when Samson’s knee appeared to get stuck on the turf as he tried to slide to stop a boundary. Despite the injury, India managed to secure a narrow two-run victory.
Samson’s injury is a blow for the Indian team, as he was not only a key batsman but also a wicketkeeper. Jitesh Sharma has been called up as cover for Ishan Kishan for the remaining two T20Is of the series. Jitesh had a strong season with the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, scoring 234 runs in 12 outings with a strike rate of 163.63.
While this is a setback for Samson, it is an opportunity for Jitesh to make his mark on the international stage. The Vidarbha and Punjab Kings player will join the Indian squad early on Thursday morning in Pune.
Sanju Samson’s injury has presented an opportunity for Jitesh Sharma to make his debut for the Indian national team. Jitesh has had a successful career with the Vidarbha and Punjab Kings franchises, often playing the role of finisher and scoring 224 runs in ten games during the 2022 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a strike rate of 175.00. He was also one of the 16 players retained by the Punjab Kings ahead of the 2023 Indian Premier League auction.
Samson’s injury may also provide an opportunity for Rahul Tripathi to make his debut at his home ground. Tripathi has been a member of the Indian squad for some time but has yet to appear in a game. India currently leads the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka 1-0.
Also, read:
Ind vs SL 1st T20I: Too close defeat for Sri Lanka put them at hazard for series
