India’s squad for the Zimbabwe T20Is has sparked debate after several talented players missed out despite impressive performances. While new faces earned opportunities, some consistent performers were unlucky to be overlooked. Players like Sanju Samson, who has delivered strong T20 performances, found themselves outside the squad, creating discussions among fans and experts. Other deserving names who missed selection include players who impressed in domestic cricket and the IPL but could not break into the 15-member team. Their exclusion highlights the intense competition for places in India’s T20 setup, where even standout performers face tough selection battles.
Shreyas Iyer will continue as India’s T20Is captain for the Zimbabwe tour
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This update is based on reports from Khelnow
The England T20I series is ongoing, and India will be looking to bounce back after losing the second game at Old Trafford. As of now, England are leading the five-match series by 1-0, and the third T20I is all set to be played on July 07, 2026, at Trent Bridge. However, a three-match ODI series follows immediately after the T20I series.
After the England tour, India will travel to Zimbabwe to play a three-match T20I series, which is set to start from July 23, 2026. The BCCI had already announced the Indian squad for the Zimbabwe tour on July 6, 2026, and it features several new faces compared to the England tour squad.
Players like Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, and Prabhsimran Singh got their maiden T20I call-ups, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will continue his position in the squad. Moreover, Rinku Singh and Mayank Yadav return to India’s T20I setup after a break.
However, despite delivering outstanding performances in IPL 2026 and domestic cricket, some talented players failed to secure a spot in the squad. Here are the three players who were unlucky to miss out on India’s T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series.
Deserving players who missed out on India’s squad
3. Dhruv Jurel
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The selectors also overlooked Dhruv Jurel, who had another productive IPL season. The wicket-keeper-batter scored 515 runs in 16 innings at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 154.65.
With Sanju Samson unavailable, many expected that Jurel might earn a place in the squad. Instead, the selectors preferred Prabsimran Singh as the second wicketkeeper alongside Ishan Kishan.
The Zimbabwe tour will give India an excellent opportunity to test their bench strength ahead of the packed international calendar. Several youngsters have got their maiden call-ups, and the competition for the position in India’s T20I side continues to become tougher with every passing series.
2. Rasikh Salam Dar
The 26-year-old pacer Rasikh Salam Dar is another player who appeared unlucky to miss out. The Jammu & Kashmir-based pacer was among the standout performers of IPL 2026 and finished as the highest wicket-taking uncapped player of the tournament.
Rasikh picked 19 wickets in 12 matches and played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s back-to-back title wins. Dar’s slower balls and yorkers during the death overs impressed everyone in the Indian Premier League.
India have selected young pacers like Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma and Mayank Yadav. However, Rasikh’s recent performances show that he, too, was equally deserving of an opportunity at the international level.
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1. Rajat Patidar
When you look at this squad, the decision not to include Rajat Patidar seems the most surprising. The RCB captain had an exceptional IPL 2026, scoring 501 runs at an average of 41.75 and an outstanding strike rate of 192.69.
Patidar also carried his form into the MP T20 league, where he continued scoring runs at an impressive strike rate. He scored 306 runs in eight innings at an average of 38.25 and a strike rate of 198.70.
His ability to dominate the spin and accelerate in the middle overs has made him one of India’s most consistent T20 batters over the last year.