Sanju Samson and World Cup Stars Bolster India for Pivotal 3rd T20I vs Zimbabwe
HARARE – The India national cricket team is set to reintegrate three T20 World Cup winners into their lineup for the critical third T20I against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club. With the five-match series leveled at 1-1, the management faces a complex selection dilemma at the top of the order as wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, and all-rounder Shivam Dube join the squad.
World Cup Winners Return to Duty
Following a brief break after their triumph in Barbados and victory parade in Mumbai, the trio arrived in Harare on Tuesday to bolster a young side led by Shubman Gill. Their availability significantly alters the team dynamics, particularly for the opening slots. While India bounced back from a shock defeat in the opener to dominate the second T20I by 100 runs, the return of senior players necessitates changes to the winning combination.
Sanju Samson is expected to take the gloves, likely replacing Dhruv Jurel or Jitesh Sharma in the middle order. Samson’s experience provides stability to a batting lineup that showed vulnerability in the first match.
The Opening Conundrum: Abhishek Sharma vs. Jaiswal
The primary tactical debate surrounds the opening partnership. Abhishek Sharma announced his arrival on the international stage with a blistering 47-ball century in the second T20I. However, with Yashasvi Jaiswal—India’s incumbent T20 opener—returning, the management must decide whether to disrupt the Gill-Sharma pairing.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged the selection challenges during a pre-match press briefing. “It is a good headache to have,” Kotak noted regarding the influx of talent. The likely scenario involves Jaiswal opening alongside Captain Gill, potentially pushing Abhishek Sharma to number three, a position he has not frequented in franchise cricket recently.
Match Facts and Series Context
After a stunning 13-run loss in the first game, India responded emphatically in the second, posting 234/2—their highest T20I total against Zimbabwe. The bowling unit, led by Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi, successfully defended the target to level the series.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Zimbabwe vs. India, 3rd T20I |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Series Status | Tied 1-1 (5-match series) |
| Key Inclusions | Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dube |
Likely Team Composition
With the “Super Eights” format of the World Cup behind them, India is focused on building bench strength for the next cycle. The inclusion of left-handers Jaiswal and Dube, alongside right-handers Samson and Gill, offers the tactical flexibility to counter Zimbabwe’s spin attack.
- Top Order: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma
- Middle Order: Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh
- Bowlers: Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar
The third T20I will be pivotal in defining the momentum of the series. A win for India would reassert their dominance, while Zimbabwe aims to exploit any lack of cohesion in the visitors’ shuffled lineup.
For official match schedules and squad updates, visit the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the International Cricket Council (ICC).