The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced a 15-member squad for India's three-match T20 International series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on July 23 in Harare. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and young talent, with notable inclusions and exclusions.
Shreyas Iyer Named Captain for Zimbabwe T20Is
Shreyas Iyer has been named captain for the tour, while Tilak Varma will serve as vice-captain. The selection committee has opted for a leadership duo that combines experience with emerging promise.
According to ABP Live, the squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, including Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Mayank Yadav and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Included; Sanju Samson Dropped
In a major move, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, decided to drop Sanju Samson from the squad. The wicketkeeper-batter's exclusion makes way for Ishan Kishan, who returns to the T20I setup, and young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has been picked for his first senior India tour.
Uncapped fast bowlers Ashok Sharma and Yash Thakur have also been included in the squad, adding depth to the pace attack.
"In a major move, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, decided to drop Sanju Samson and also picked Vaibhav Sooryavanshi." — Instagram
Full Squad for Zimbabwe T20I Series
The 15-member squad includes:
- Shreyas Iyer (captain)
- Tilak Varma (vice-captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Rinku Singh
- Shivam Dube
- Mayank Yadav
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Ashok Sharma
- Yash Thakur
Our Take: Selection Signals Clear Intent for Future
This squad announcement makes one thing clear — the selectors are looking beyond the current T20 World Cup cycle and building for the future. Dropping Sanju Samson, who has been in and out of the side, and bringing in young players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and uncapped fast bowlers shows a clear shift in strategy.
Ishan Kishan's return adds experience at the top, while Shreyas Iyer's captaincy appointment gives him a chance to lead a young side. In our view, this series against Zimbabwe is the perfect opportunity to test bench strength without compromising on results. The selectors have made bold calls, and now it is up to the players to deliver.
