The Indian team came to Pune looking to clinch yet another T20I series at home, this time against Sri Lanka. The Men in Blue had won the second T20I at Indore by seven wickets, after the first match in Guwahati was abandoned due to wet pitch and rains.

The MCA stadium hosted the decider which if won by India, will give the series and a win by Sri Lanka, will mean the trophy will be shared. India lost the toss and was asked to bat first and Virat Kohli announced three changes in the team.

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Kuldeep Yadav made way for Yuzvendra Chahal, while Shivam Dube was replaced by Manish Pandey. But the biggest noise made by the crowd when he announced that Rishabh Pant was rested and Sanju Samson was included in the playing XI.

Samson was in the Indian team against South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies series as well, but didn’t get a chance in final XI. But this time, he made his return to the team after five years of making his debut in the format. This was welcomed with a huge roar given the scrutiny faced by Pant in recent times with his performance with both the bat and the ball.

He announced his return in style, hitting Lakshan Sandakan for a six off his first ball, but was trapped LBW by Hasaranga on the second ball he faced next over and had to return back to the pavilion.

The fans took to Twitter and showed their appreciation for Sanju being given a chance in the team.

Here are some tweets: