IND vs SL: Sanju Samson ruled out of T20I series against Sri Lanka, Jitesh Sharma added to the squad

IND vs SL: Team India wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson has been ruled out of the ongoing three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka owing to a knee injury. He will be replaced by Jitesh Sharma for the remainder of the Twenty20 series.

Samson hurt his left knee while guarding the boundary ropes in the 1st T20I at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The batter didn't travel with the Indian team to Pune and underwent scans in Mumbai to get ascertained, the reports of which have come.

As per the reports, Samson will require rest and rehabilitation to nurse his injury and thus will remain out of the remaining T20I series against Sri Lanka.

"Samson hurt his left knee while attempting to field a ball near the boundary ropes during the first T20I," a BCCI release stated. "He was taken for scans and a specialist opinion this afternoon in Mumbai by the BCCI Medical Team and has been advised rest and rehabilitation."

Vidharbha wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma was subsequently added to the Indian T20I squad. He will cover Ishan Kishan, who is keeping the wickets in the ongoing series.

Notably, Jitesh Sharma had a memorable Indian Premier League (IPL) debut season with Punjab Kings (PBKS). He scored 234 runs at an impressive strike rate of 163.64.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson's injury may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Rahul Tripathi, who is yet to make his debut in the Indian colours. Tripathi has been waiting for his debut cap for a very long and finally, it seems his wait is over.

Team India won the first T20I against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium by 2 runs in the final over thriller. Axar Patel defended 12 runs in the last six deliveries to get the 1-0 lead against the island nation.

The second game of the three-match series will be held today (5th January 2023) at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

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