"I am convinced…" - Sanju Samson’s ODI comeback guaranteed by ex-India head coach
Published - 13 Mar 2026, 03:14 PM | Updated - 13 Mar 2026, 03:16 PM
Former Indian cricketer WV Raman said that Sanju Samson deserves a spot in the national ODI squad following the recent T20 World Cup 2026 victory. There have been discussions around the 50-over format, with the team management currently preparing for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir recently stated that India lost two consecutive bilateral ODI series. While the T20 team looks settled, the 50-over results need clear improvement. Players like Samson and Ishan Kishan, who performed exceptionally well during the tournament, might be in the scheme of things.
WV Raman Backs Sanju Samson for ODI Success
In a conversation with the Times of India, WV Raman said that Sanju Samson can translate his T20I form into the 50-over format. The wicketkeeper-batter has scored 510 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.66 and a strike rate of 99.60, including three half-centuries and one century.
“He is a terrific player and whatever problems he was having with his temperament, he has addressed that. I am convinced that Sanju has the game to succeed in ODIs,” Raman told TOI.
Raman stated that in-form players must always be accommodated within the playing XI. He added that the team leadership group needs to adjust the batting order and figure out a way to utilize the available talent effectively.
“It’s for the team management to find a place for Sanju. For me, Sanju is good enough for ODIs,” Raman said.
That’s How the Selectors Should Think - Devang Gandhi on Sanju Samson's Comeback
Devang Gandhi said that the lack of top-order vacancies can impact Sanju Samson's comeback. Former national selector Devang Gandhi pointed out that Yashasvi Jaiswal is also waiting for his chance, adding that Samson should return to domestic tournaments and score runs.
“Next in line is Jaiswal and if a slot opens up, how can you give somebody a go ahead of him? I have nothing against Samson, but let him go back to domestic one-day cricket get runs, and then try for an ODI comeback. That’s how the selectors should think,” Gandhi said.
What Has Rishabh Pant Done Wrong to Be Dropped? - Devang Gandhi
Ishan Kishan can easily bat in the top three or lower down the order. The left-hander holds a double century in this format. He can serve as a backup wicketkeeper to KL Rahul, but Gandhi said that Rishabh Pant can't be dropped from the ODI setup.
“But then, there’s Rishabh Pant. What has Pant done wrong to be dropped from the ODI set-up? These are very talented young players we are talking about and they should be handled with care,” Gandhi said.
“Don’t forget, there are hardly any close-in fielders in T20s. The aim of every bowler is containment. It’s not always the case in ODIs,” the former India opener said.
The upcoming IPL season will influence the selection meetings. Sanju Samson will open the batting for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), while Ishan Kishan will bat at number three for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Also read: Rinku Singh to replace Ajinkya Rahane? KKR skipper breaks silence on captaincy ahead of IPL 2026
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Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
