New Delhi: The BCCI has announced India’s squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe and the biggest talking point is the absence of Sanju Samson. In a surprise decision, the wicketkeeper-batter has been left out despite playing a key role in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year.

Samson was named Player of the Tournament during India’s title-winning run in the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, after featuring in three matches, he lost his place in the playing XI to young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and has now been omitted from the Zimbabwe tour squad. The star batter is having a lean patch as he could score just six runs in three T20Is in Ireland and England.

Prabhsimran gets first call-up

Punjab Kings opener Prabhsimran Singh has received his first call-up to the senior Indian team. The aggressive right-hander scored 510 runs during IPL 2026 at an impressive strike rate of 168.87. Although his performances dipped towards the end of the tournament, the selectors have rewarded his overall season by picking him as the second wicketkeeper.

The squad also includes a few fresh faces with Harsh Dubey, Yash Thakur and Ashok Sharma earning places for the Zimbabwe series. Meanwhile, Rinku Singh and pace bowler Mayank Yadav return to the national setup after missing previous assignments.

Rinku is picked in the squad for the first time after the T20 World Cup. He has endured a few lean years with the bat, scoring just 115 runs in eight innings in 2026.

Hardik Pandya stays out

Pandya didn’t seem fit yet to make a return to international cricket after injury, even after missing the UK tour. The all-rounder has recently shifted to Bengaluru from Mumbai to continue his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.

Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana have also been rested for the Zimbabwe series. Men In Blue will play three more T20Is in England before heading to Zimbabwe.

 India squad for Zimbabwe T20I series: 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).

Zimbabwe vs India T20I schedule

1st T20I in Harare on Thursday, July 23
2nd T20I in Harare on Saturday, July 25
3rd T20I in Harare on Sunday, July 26

The upcoming Zimbabwe tour will give several young players an opportunity to impress at the international level while experienced names returning to the squad will be aiming to strengthen their place in India’s plans for the upcoming season.