Abhishek Sharma dropped from India’s T20I squad for Sri Lanka series despite slamming a 47-ball century.

(BCCI Photo)

Abhishek Sharma, who showcased his talent with a blistering 47-ball century during the Zimbabwe tour, misses out on selection for India’s T20I series against Sri Lanka. The BCCI today announced the 15-member squad, which sees the return of Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammad Siraj for the ODIs, leading to Sharma’s exclusion.

Abhishek Sharma dropped from T20Is

Abhishek Sharma bounced back strongly after a four-ball duck in his debut innings, smashing the Zimbabwe bowlers in the 2nd T20I while opening the batting to compile a blazing century adorned with seven fours and eight sixes. However, with Yashasvi Jaiswal reclaiming the opening slot from the 3rd T20I onward, Sharma moved to No.3, scoring 10 and 14 in subsequent innings. He finished the series with 124 runs from four innings, averaging 31.00 at a striking rate of 174.64.

Sharma secured his spot in the Indian T20I setup following an outstanding IPL 2024 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he emerged as the 10th-highest run-scorer with 484 runs in 16 innings, boasting an incredible strike rate of 204.21.

Despite his credentials as a backup opener and a useful bowler, selectors opted to bolster the middle order by retaining Riyan Parag and Samson Samson, while Rishabh Pant returned after being rested for the Zimbabwe series.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Also Misses out

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who played in four matches during the Zimbabwe tour, was overlooked despite scoring 133 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 66.50 and a strike rate of 158.33. Gaikwad was positioned at No.3 and No.4 throughout the series.

India’s T20I Squad for Sri Lanka Tour:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.

India vs Sri Lanka Full Schedule

1st T20I – July 27, 2024 – 7 PM (IST) – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
2nd T20I – July 28, 2024 – 7 PM (IST) – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
3rd T20I – July 30, 2024 – 7 PM (IST) – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
1st ODI – August 2, 2024 – 2:30 PM (IST) – R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
2nd ODI – August 4, 2024 – 2:30 PM (IST) – R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
3rd ODI – August 4, 2024 – 2:30 PM (IST) – R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo