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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a recent update, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana in the Indian squad for the first two T20 Internationals (T20Is) against Zimbabwe. These players will be replacing Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who are currently unable to join the squad due to travel disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl in Barbados.

Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana have been called up to bolster the squad for the initial matches of the five-match T20I series starting on Saturday, July 6th, in Harare. This decision comes as Dube, Samson, and Jaiswal, who were part of India's victorious T20 World Cup 2024 team, are delayed in their return from Barbados.

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"The Men’s Selection Committee has named Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana as replacements for Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe," the BCCI stated.

???? NEWS ????

Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma and Harshit Rana added to India’s squad for first two T20Is against Zimbabwe.

Full Details ???? #TeamIndia | #ZIMvINDhttps://t.co/ezEefD23D3

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 2, 2024

Originally, the World Cup-winning trio was scheduled to travel directly to Zimbabwe. However, due to the unforeseen circumstances, they will now return to India first with the rest of the World Cup squad before heading to Harare. The revised plan ensures that the Indian team arrives in Delhi on Wednesday, July 3rd, with the replacement players joining them for the first two games in Zimbabwe.

God's Plan, babay! ???????? Chalo Zimbabwe! pic.twitter.com/wQ01pCqM0l

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) July 2, 2024

For Sudharsan and Rana, this marks their maiden call-up to the national T20I team, a testament to their impressive performances in the domestic circuit and the IPL 2024 season. Harshit Rana, who showcased his skills with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), received a special mention from the KKR franchise, celebrating his inclusion in the Indian team alongside Rinku Singh, another promising talent.

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"The franchise captioned the post, 'God's plan baby, chalo Zimbabwe,' sharing a picture of Rana and Rinku as they prepare to join the squad," noted KKR in a statement.

With these additions, the Indian squad aims to maintain its winning momentum and continue its strong performance in international cricket. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming series and the debut performances of the new players.