Revealed! Why BCCI Dropped Sanju Samson From India's T20I Squad Against Zimbabwe

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been dropped from the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, which begins later this month. Along with Samson, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made six more changes to the Shreyas Iyer-led squad.

Samson has been replaced by Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh. The right-hander earned his place after an impressive IPL 2026 season and has previous experience with the national setup, having represented India under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

ALSO READ: Sanju Samson Axed, Rinku Singh Returns As BCCI Announce India's T20I Squad For Zimbabwe Series

Is It the End of the Road for Sanju Samson?

Samson’s omission has surprised many fans, but it may not be a cause for concern. The wicketkeeper-batter is part of India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in September. This suggests the team management may have decided to rest him instead of sending him for the Zimbabwe tour.

The BCCI has not officially explained why Samson was left out. However, he was one of several players currently touring England who did not find a place in the Zimbabwe squad.

“Why is this surprising that Sanju has been rested for Zimbabwe? People saying this should know Sanju is in the Asian Games squad in September. Those criticising the selection committee should do a bit of homework. What’s the point of taking Samson to Zimbabwe when he is unlikely to play? He is a senior player,” a senior BCCI source was quoted by PTI.

Besides Samson, fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, along with all-rounder Washington Sundar and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, have also been left out of the squad for the Zimbabwe series. 

India vs Zimbabwe T20I schedule

India's T20I squad against Zimbabwe

Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, Varun Chakaravarathy, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav, Prabhsimran Singh (WK).