Why is Ruturaj Gaikwad not playing the final T20I vs Zimbabwe?

Team India is set to play the final game of the T20I series against Zimbabwe on Sunday. The men in blue have already wrapped up the series having won their last game by ten wickets. Ruturaj Gaikwad who has been in good form isn’t playing the final game of the series as the Indian side made a few changes to their side. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad isn’t playing as the team is looking to give Riyan Parag a chance. The youngster hasn’t been getting a proper chance with the bat and ball. Ruturaj Gaikwad who scored has already scored a half-century and a 49 in the series didn’t get a chance to bat on Saturday. Riyan Parag has been rested for the last few games of the series having played the first two games. 

Sikandar Raza won the toss and chose to bowl first and made one change as Brandon Mavuta came in for Tendai Chatara. For India, Mukesh Kumar replaced Khaleel Ahmed while Riyan Parag came in for Ruturaj Gaikwad. 

Sanju Samson speaks about being part of the Indian T20 World Cup team

Indian wicketkeeper Sanju Samson has been in decent form but didn’t get to play any game during the T20 World Cup. The 29-year-old opened the batting in the only warm-up game against Bangladesh and couldn’t score much. 

Speaking to the official broadcasters, Samson said, “The emotions are still going through. The photos are still around. It was an unbelievable experience. I couldn't stop smiling. Very fortunate to be part of the team. Credit to everyone who contributed. It was a complete team effort.” 

The 29-year-old while speaking about the series also said, “he might be making some changes, there might be some shuffle in the batting order, hoping to get some time in the middle. I have been leading RR for the last four years. There have been some legends. I take care of legends and youngsters. You understand cricket a bit more. When you are a captain, you think about other players and other teams as well. I have been getting better." 

ZIM vs IND playing XI 

Zimbabwe: Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(c), Johnathan Campbell, Faraz Akram, Clive Madande(w), Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Kumar