The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the inclusion of opener Sai Sudharsan, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, and pacer Harshit Rana as replacements for Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first two T20 Internationals against Zimbabwe. The changes come as the original players remain stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl.
The five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe will kick off on July 6 at the Harare Sports Club, with all games scheduled to be played at the same venue. The series will conclude with the final T20I on July 14.
Samson, Dube, and Jaiswal, key members of India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 winning squad, are currently unable to leave Barbados as the island deals with the aftermath of a Category 4 hurricane. The severe weather has resulted in flight cancellations and a lockdown in the Caribbean, delaying the departure of the Indian team. Hurricane Beryl has caused significant disruption, including power and water supply outages, across Barbados and neighboring islands.
BCCI’S Staement
In a statement, the BCCI said, “The Men’s Selection Committee has named Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana as replacements for Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe.” The affected trio was originally set to join the Zimbabwe-bound squad for the upcoming series starting Saturday, July 6. They will now travel to India first with the rest of the World Cup-winning team before departing for Harare.
The Indian cricket team, including management and players, has been staying at a hotel in Barbados since the hurricane hit. The main international airport remains closed, compounding the travel challenges faced by the team.
Speaking to reporters, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who is with the team, acknowledged the situation, stating, “We are stuck in Barbados and will think about the felicitation once the travel plans are clear.” Shah’s comments underline the uncertainty faced by the team as they await clear travel arrangements.
Despite the delays, the Indian squad remains in high spirits following their recent World Cup victory. Fans and officials alike are hopeful that the team will soon be able to leave Barbados and continue their tour in Zimbabwe.
