ICC World Cup 2023: "If KL Rahul Becomes Available, I Don't See Sanju Samson In The World Cup Team" - Aakash Chopra
Published - 11 Aug 2023, 02:49 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:16 AM
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra stated that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson might not make it to the upcoming ODI World Cup squad if KL Rahul is fit and available. Aakash Chopra highlighted that Samson’s inclusion in the marquee tournament depends on KL Rahul’s fitness.
KL Rahul is currently undergoing recovery from a thigh injury at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The BCCI has not yet provided any updates regarding his return to full fitness. Sanju Samson played two matches during the three-match ODI series against the West Indies.
Don’t See Sanju Samson In The World Cup Team – Aakash Chopra
“At this point in time, if KL Rahul becomes available, I don’t see him (Samson) in the World Cup team. I don’t think he will be seen in the Asia Cup team as well,” Chopra said.
Ishan Kishan has climbed up the pecking order for the second wicketkeeper role, showcasing his prowess with three consecutive half-centuries in the ODI series. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson managed to secure a half-century in the third and final match.
There Is A Lot Of Cricket After That – Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator emphasized that Sanju Samson can make it into India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, considering his young age.
“It is not that he is 32-34 years of age. Sanju is just 28, so there is no tension. You can’t talk about the end for a 28 or 29-year-old boy. You have the 2024 T20 World Cup and there is a lot of cricket after that.”
“So it is not that he doesn’t have time or there is no place. Never say never for Sanju Samson or anybody who is just 28. It doesn’t happen like that,” he concluded.
The Kerala batter has featured in 13 ODI matches, scoring 390 runs in 12 innings at an average of 55.71 and a strike rate of 104.00. He has also been selected for India’s second-string squad against Ireland, which will be played before the Asia Cup 2023.
Tagged:
Aakash Chopra ICC ODI World Cup 2023 ICC World Cup 2023 India National Cricket Team Ishan Kishan KL Rahul Sanju Samson
