As the ODI World Cup 2023 draws closer, India finds itself in the decisive stages of finalizing its team composition. The team’s recent penchant for experimentation became evident through the surprising decision to rest Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the final two ODIs against West Indies. This move attracted considerable attention due to the continuous changes in the team’s structure.
With uncertainty surrounding the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, India used this opportunity to test new options, including Axar Patel, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson, in the middle order. Despite the inclusion of several fringe players, India faced a setback with a loss in the second ODI. However, the team managed to bounce back admirably, securing a resounding victory in the third ODI.
Samson, who has often lingered on the periphery of the national team, had given a chance to prove his mettle in the three-match ODI series against West Indies. Although he struggled in the second game, the 28-year-old countered with a half-century (51) in the third ODI, contributing to India’s comprehensive victory as they posted a total of 351 runs in 50 overs.
Neverthless, Samson’s recent performances took a dip again, as he faced difficulties in the first two T20Is in the Caribbean. In light of these ups and downs, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on the wicketkeeper-batter prospects for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. Ashwin expressed the view that securing a spot at the top order might be a challenging feat for Samson.
Ashwin decodes why Sanju Samson doesn’t slot into India’s ODI starting XI
While speaking on his official YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted the Kerala-born cricketer’s impressive performance in the 50-over format. The 36-year-old mentioned that Samson had showcased his skills by scoring a half-century in the 3rd ODI against West Indies. He further commended Samson’s ability to handle spin bowling effectively, emphasizing that this is one of his strong suits.
“The other player who got a chance was Sanju Samson. He scored a fifty in the ODI series. In the T20I match, he scored 12 off 12. He got a role in the middle order. When it comes to IPL, he bats at number three or four largely. Mind you, he has got a very good record in ODIs. A very good average and he scored a 50 in the third ODI as well. And he took down spin as soon as he came in, and that’s his specialty,” the veteran cricketer said.
Ashwin provided further insight by emphasizing that the top four batting slots in the Indian lineup are currently not available for adjustments. He clarified that, as things stand, there is no vacancy for Samson within the top four positions. While acknowledging Samson’s exceptional talent and his ability to turn the tide of a game at any given moment, Ashwin underlined the need for a thorough assessment by the team management.
“When it comes to Team India, the number 3 and 4 slot is not open. Given Sanju’s ability and talent, we know he can change the course of the game at any point. He is a very good guy and we all want good for him. But the role we expect from Sanju when it comes to Team India is different. There is no space for him in the Top 4. Whether there will be a spot for him after the World Cup or after one or two years after the World Cup, we will have to wait and watch,” the Indian stalwart added.
“Because Virat at 3 is a fix. Rohit and Gill are also fixed as openers. Shreyas and KL are also absolute certainties when they are fit. We need a keeper-batter alone as a backup. So, if one of KL or Shreyas is not available they need a backup at 4 or 5. But Sanju is not doing that role in IPL. He is starting to do that role only in ODIs and he has scored a 50 in that role now. That’s good news for him and Team India,” Ashwin concluded.
Notably, The ICC ODI World Cup will kick off on October 5, 2023, but India will play their first-ever match against Australia on October 8, 2023, at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
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