Sanju Samson Set for Asian Games Return After Zimbabwe Snub
Despite being left out of India's T20I squad for Zimbabwe, Sanju Samson is confirmed for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Sanju Samson has been omitted from India's T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Zimbabwe, after managing only six runs in three innings on the European tour of Ireland and England. However, reports suggest the wicketkeeper-batter has been 'rested' rather than dropped, alongside pacer Arshdeep Singh.
Samson's next international appearance is expected at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, scheduled from September 17 to October 3. The BCCI has already named him in the 15-member squad for the tournament, where Shreyas Iyer will lead the side. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are the two specialist wicketkeeper-batters in the squad.
India will be defending the gold medal won in Hangzhou 2023. The Asian Games squad also includes stars like Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Tilak Varma. With the Zimbabwe series acting as a brief hiatus, Samson's focus now shifts to the multi-sport event later this year.