With back-to-back ducks, it appears that Sanju Samson‘s time with Team India might be coming to an end. It is unfortunate for him that this had to happen in the very first series for Gautam Gambhir as the Head Coach. On that note, here, we take a look at the list of three players who can replace Sanju Samson in Team India for the next T20I series.
1) Jitesh Sharma
If not for his horror run in IPL 2024, Jitesh Sharma would have even got a chance to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Nevertheless, it could be the right time to have him back on the side. He was a part of the Zimbabwe T20I series.
Before the 2024 T20 WC, Jitesh was the designated keeper for the side. He also had some decent performances under his belt. Jitesh could now get another chance after Sanju’s poor form.
2) Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel is one of the players who can replace Sanju Samson in Team India for the next T20I series. Dhruv Jurel played in the Zimbabwe T20I series but did not get a chance in the later games.
However, it appears that the management is looking at him as the backup wicket-keeper for all three formats of the game. Hence, there is a high chance that he will replace Sanju in the next series.
3) Ruturaj Gaikwad
It is a no-brainer that Ruturaj Gaikwad makes it to the squad for the next T20I series. It was a mistake that India did not have a backup opener for the Sri Lanka series. Now, considering Rutu’s ability to play in the middle-order, he would be the perfect option.
In the regional T20 leagues, Ruturaj even kept wickets. It would be too much to ask him to do it at the highest level. But, as a backup, that should be enough for the squad.
