Sanju Samson ruled out of second T20I, Jitesh Sharma named as replacement
Pune, Jan 4: India batter Sanju Samson has been ruled out of the second T20 International against Sri Lanka here on Thursday due to a knee injury.
Samson hurt his knee while fielding in the series opener in Mumbai, which India won by two runs on Tuesday.
He was dismissed cheaply in the India innings.
"Samson has stayed back in Mumbai to get some scans," said a BCCI source.
Vidarbha wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has been added to India's squad in place of Samson. He will be a cover for Ishan Kishan for the next two games.
"Yes, Jitesh is joining the team. He has been rewarded for his performances for Punjab Kings in the IPL," the source added.
The injury to Samson might provide an opportunity for Rahul Tripathi to make his debut. Consistent IPL performer Tripathi has travelled with the squad for a while but is yet to get a game.
India lead the three-match series 1-0 following their narrow two-run win in the opener.
NEWS - Sanju Samson ruled out of the remainder of T20I series.
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 4, 2023
The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Jitesh Sharma as replacement for Sanju Samson.
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Eight militants arrested in Manipur
Imphal (PTI): Security forces arrested eight active cadres, belonging to several factions of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party, in Manipur's Imphal East and Imphal West districts, police said on Saturday.
Four members of the proscribed KCP (People's War Group) were apprehended from Andro Leitanpekpham area in Imphal East district on Thursday, a senior officer said.
"One .32 pistol along with one magazine, three .32 live rounds, and two radio sets were recovered from their possession," he said.
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Three active cadres of the outlawed KCP (Taibanganba) were arrested from Langol Game village Zone-II area in Imphal West district, he said.
They were temporarily residing at Langol Game village relief camp, the officer said.
One cadre of the banned KCP (Ibungo Ngangom) was apprehended from a farmhouse at Langol in Imphal West district, he said.
Search operations have been conducted in Manipur since ethnic violence broke out two years ago.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic strife between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
The Centre had, on February 13, imposed the President’s rule in the state after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned.
The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
