Sanju Samson dropped, Jasprit Bumrah rested: India’s likely playing XI vs Sri Lanka sees two fresh inclusions

Team India is expected to field a reshuffled playing XI against Sri Lanka in the upcoming T20I clash at Colombo on September 27, 2025, with wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson dropped and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah rested for workload management. The match, part of India’s ongoing bilateral series, is being closely watched for its strategic experimentation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

According to team sources and training session reports, Samson’s omission comes after a string of low scores and missed opportunities behind the stumps. Meanwhile, Bumrah’s absence is precautionary, with the team management keen to rotate fast bowlers and preserve fitness for the packed international calendar.

In their place, India are likely to include explosive left-handed batter Tilak Varma and uncapped pacer Harshit Rana, both of whom have impressed in domestic and IPL circuits. The move signals India’s intent to test bench strength and build depth in key positions.

India vs Sri Lanka – Match Preview

India won the first T20I convincingly, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube starring in a 42-run victory. However, the team is expected to tweak its combination to give opportunities to emerging players and rest senior pros.

Samson’s exclusion has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many pointing to his inconsistent form and lack of impact in crunch moments. In contrast, Tilak Varma’s inclusion is seen as a reward for his fearless batting and ability to anchor innings under pressure.

India’s Likely Playing XI vs Sri Lanka – 2nd T20I

The inclusion of Harshit Rana adds a fresh dimension to India’s pace attack. Known for his aggressive bowling and IPL breakthroughs with Kolkata Knight Riders, Rana could be handed his debut cap as India looks to groom future fast-bowling options.

Jitesh Sharma, who replaces Samson behind the stumps, has earned praise for his sharp reflexes and clean hitting in domestic cricket. His promotion reflects India’s growing emphasis on dynamic wicketkeeper-batters who can contribute in multiple phases of the game.

Players Dropped / Rested – Selection Update

Team management has clarified that Bumrah’s exclusion is not injury-related but part of a rotation policy aimed at managing player fatigue. With the World Cup less than a year away, India is expected to rotate senior players across formats to maintain peak fitness.

Coach Rahul Dravid and captain Hardik Pandya are reportedly keen to test combinations and give exposure to younger players in high-pressure environments. The Sri Lanka series, while competitive, is being used as a preparatory platform for global tournaments.

India’s T20I Bench Strength – Emerging Talent Pool

Social media has reacted strongly to the changes, with hashtags like #SamsonDropped, #HarshitDebut, and #TilakVarma trending across platforms. Fans are divided over Samson’s exclusion, with some citing his talent and others pointing to his inconsistency.

Public Sentiment – India’s XI vs Sri Lanka

With the series still open and Sri Lanka eager to bounce back, India’s revamped XI will be tested for balance, temperament, and execution. The match promises high-octane action, and all eyes will be on the newcomers to deliver under lights in Colombo.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available team updates, match previews, and verified cricketing sources. It does not constitute official squad confirmation or selection advice. All quotes and projections are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.