India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been rested for this month’s three-match Twenty20 international series against Zimbabwe, with selectors prioritising his involvement in the Asian Games later this year, a senior source told PTI.
Samson was the most notable omission from India’s squad for the tour, prompting speculation after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named a largely full-strength squad led by Shreyas Iyer.
The 31-year-old has been replaced in the squad by wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh, who impressed for Punjab Kings in the 2026 Indian Premier League and was part of India’s gold medal-winning team at the 2023 Asian Games.
Samson also lost his place in India’s playing XI during the ongoing T20I series against England, making way for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who became India’s youngest international cricketer.
The Kerala batter struggled for form, posting three low scores in succession — twice against Ireland and once in the opening T20I against England.
Despite those setbacks, Samson was named Player of the Tournament at the 2026 T20 World Cup and scored two centuries during the IPL season.
“Why is this surprising that Sanju has been rested for Zimbabwe? People who are saying this should know Sanju is in the Asian Games squad in September,” a senior source told PTI.
“So those who are criticising the selection committee can do a bit of homework. What’s the point of carrying Samson when he won’t play? He is a senior guy.”
Fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, along with all-rounder Washington Sundar and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, were also omitted from the Zimbabwe squad.
Prasidh, Harshit and Washington are part of India’s one-day international squad for the upcoming series against England.
Lower-order batter Rinku Singh and fast bowler Mayank Yadav returned to the T20I squad.
India will play three T20 internationals against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 23, 25 and 27.
Squad: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, Varun Chakravarthy, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav and Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper).
