Sanju Samson Steps In For Rishabh Pant In India's Final T20I Clash With Sri Lanka

Sanju Samson got another chance to play after Rishabh Pant was rested for the third and final T20I against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Tuesday, July 30.

Sri Lanka's captain, Charith Asalanka, chose to bat first after a delayed toss due to a wet field from earlier rain showers. Chamindu Wickramasinghe made his debut for Sri Lanka as Dasun Shanaka was dropped following two golden ducks and unimpressive bowling performances in the previous matches.

India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, confirmed that Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh were rested. They were replaced by Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, and Khaleel Ahmed. India had already secured a 2-0 lead in the series.

Samson wasn't included in India's eleven for the first T20I but played in the second game after vice-captain Shubman Gill experienced back spasms on matchday. Unfortunately, Samson was dismissed for a first-ball duck when India chased a revised target of 78 in a rain-affected game.

"Would've liked to chase as well with the weather around. Becomes difficult for the bowling team to control the ball later. We have 4 guys resting - Hardik, Axar, Rishabh and Arshdeep. We spoke about the brand of cricket we want to play and it's about topping it up every game and being the best version of ourselves," Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss.

After being asked to bat first in the third T20I, Suryakumar Yadav led India with confidence despite several key players being rested. This strategic move aimed to test other players' capabilities while maintaining their winning momentum.

Team Line-ups

India Playing XI in 3rd T20I vs Sri Lanka: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Khaleel Ahmed

Sri Lanka Playing XI in 3rd T20I vs India: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando

The match saw significant changes in both teams' line-ups as they adapted to conditions and strategies. These adjustments highlighted each team's depth and flexibility in player selection.

The decision to rest key players like Pant and Pandya allowed India to explore their bench strength while giving opportunities to emerging talents like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar.

This approach not only provided valuable experience for new players but also ensured that senior players remained fresh for future matches. The series win was already secured by India with an unassailable lead of 2-0 before this final match.