India Announces T20 Squad for Zimbabwe Series: Sanju Samson Rested, Mayank Yadav and Rinku Singh Return, Young Talent Included The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finalized the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, set to begin on July 23, 2026, in Harare. Captain Shreyas Iyer will lead the team, with Tilak Verma serving as vice-captain. The selection reflects a balance between experience and the inclusion of emerging talent, with notable decisions regarding the rest of key players and the return of others. Sanju Samson, the veteran opener, has been rested for the series, a move attributed to workload management and fitness considerations. His absence has been a topic of discussion, as he has been a regular in T20 formats. In his place, Prabhasingh Singh has been named as the wicketkeeper-batsman, marking his first international appearance. Prabhasingh, who previously played in the 2023 Asian Games, is expected to gain valuable experience against Zimbabwe. Ishan Kishan remains the first-choice wicketkeeper. The return of Rinku Singh and Mayank Yadav has been a significant highlight of the squad. Rinku, a explosive finisher, had been sidelined during the 2026 Asian Games and the England tour, but his inclusion signals confidence in his ability to bolster the middle and lower order. Mayank Yadav, a fast bowler, has been rested since his last international appearance in October 2024 due to fitness issues. His reintegration into the squad is seen as a strategic move to test his form ahead of future challenges. Young talent has also been prioritized, with 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi retained for the series. Suryavanshi made his international debut in the second T20I against England, scoring 14 runs.#bcci #shreyas_iyer #rinku_singh #tilak_verma #prabhasingh_singh
India A Secures Thrilling 8-Run Victory Over Sri Lanka A in Tri Series Opener India A delivered a stunning comeback in the opening match of the Tri Series 2026, defeating Sri Lanka A by 8 runs at the Dambulla International Stadium on June 9, 2026. The match, which was a thrilling contest, saw India A post a formidable total of 277/6 in their innings, before restricting Sri Lanka A to 269 all out. The victory was anchored by Ruturaj Gaikwad’s impressive century and a disciplined bowling display from the Indian bowlers. India A’s innings began with a challenging start, as opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi was dismissed for 14 in the first over. Prabhasingh Singh (2) also fell early, leaving the team at 16/2. However, the innings turned around with the partnership between Priyansh Arya (32) and Ruturaj Gaikwad. The latter’s innings was a masterclass, as he scored 112 runs off 112 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. His century came at a crucial juncture, helping India A rebuild after a shaky start. Gaikwad’s innings was followed by a remarkable 85-run partnership with Tilak Verma, who scored a half-century in his own right. The duo’s collaboration saw India A reach 225/5 before the final phase of the innings. Suryash Shedge (26 not out) and Ayush Badoni (24) then added crucial runs in the last overs, ensuring the team crossed the 277-run mark. Sri Lanka A’s response was equally spirited, with captain Sahana Arachchige leading the charge. The team posted a strong total of 269, with Arachchige scoring 74 off 62 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. His innings, coupled with contributions from Nirushan Dickwella (47) and Avishka Fernando (45), set the stage for a competitive chase. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the final overs.#ruturaj_gaikwad #india_a #sri_lanka_a #prabhasingh_singh #dambulla_international_stadium
