India have named their squad for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, leaving out Sanju Samson while recalling Rinku Singh.
Shreyas Iyer will captain the side, with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain. Young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has retained his place after making his international debut during the ongoing T20I series against England.
The selectors did not provide a reason for Samson’s omission. The wicketkeeper-batter scored six runs in three T20Is on the recent tour of Ireland and England. Prabhsimran Singh has been included as the second wicketkeeper alongside Ishan Kishan.
Rinku returns to the T20I squad for the first time since the T20 World Cup earlier this year. The batting unit also features Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube and Sooryavanshi.
The selectors have rested fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and all-rounder Washington Sundar have also been left out of the squad.
The pace attack includes Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur and uncapped fast bowler Ashok Sharma. Varun Chakravarthy and Harsh Dubey will lead the spin bowling unit.
Hardik Pandya remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation from injury.
India squad: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, Varun Chakravarthy, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav and Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper).
India will play all three T20Is against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 23, July 25 and July 26.
