IND vs SL: Sanju Samson doubtful for second T20I due to knee injury

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is in doubt for the second T20I against Sri Lanka, to be played at the Maharastra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on January 5. The cricketer is said to have a niggle on his right knee that could force him out of the contest.

Samson suffered the injury while attempting a diving catch during Sri Lanka’s chase in the first game. Even though he managed to reach to the ball, he could not hold on to it after landing on the ground. Samson continued playing, but is said to have swelling, which eventually could rule him out of the second T20I. As per a Cricbuzz report, Samson has not travelled with the squad and has stayed back in Mumbai for immediate scans.

The cricketer made his long-awaited return to the team but failed to impress in the first game as he could manage to score only five runs from six deliveries. India were under tremendous pressure following his dismissal but Deepak Hooda (41) and Hardik Pandya (29) rescued the team. Following Pandya’s dismissal, Axar Patel joined in the middle and played a brilliant cameo of 31 off 20s to help the Men in Blue score 162/5 .

With the ball, debutant Shivam Mavi looked impressive as he picked four crucial wickets to break the backbone of Sri Lanka. Ace pacer Umran Malik looked impressive as well and picked two wickets while Harshal Patel picked as many, however, he conceded more than 10 runs per over.

On the other hand, spin wizard Yuzvendra Chahal looked pale and he needs to change in order to cement his position in the T20I squad. Meanwhile, either Rahul Tripathi or Washington Sundar can replace Samson if he gets ruled out of the second T20I. Further, Arshdeep Singh, who was not available in the first game due to fitness concerns, is fit and available for selection now. 

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