IND vs WI: Sanju Samson Should Be Allowed To Bat Where He’s Comfortable - Abhinav Mukund

Former India opener Abhinav Mukund feels that Sanju Samson should be allowed to bat in a position where he is comfortable. His words arrive after Team India sent Sanju Samson at number 3 position in IND vs WI 2nd ODI on Saturday (July 19).

Sanju Samson, who made a national comeback after a long time, came up with a horrible batting show in the match. The right-handed batsman played 19 balls and scored just 9 runs before becoming a victim of spinner Yannic Cariah.

Also Read: IND vs WI: ‘Sanju Samson’s World Cup Dream Over’ – Twitter Reacts To Batter’s Failure On India Comeback

However, Sanju Samson usually doesn’t take the No. 3 spot. Last year, he batted in the middle order in as many as 9 ODIs. He also gave a marvellous performance, hitting 234 runs at an average of 71+. Out of 9 games, he was unbeaten in 5.

Sanju Samson Should Bat In Position Where He Is Comfortable – Abhinav Mukund

While speaking on Jio Cinema, former left-handed batsman Abhinav Mukund said he was surprised to see Sanju Samson batting at a one-down slot in IND vs WI 2nd ODI. He also believes that Samson should be allowed to play in a position where he is comfortable.

“He (Samson) faced 19 balls, you can read too much into that innings. And he is batting at No. 3, a spot that he possibly won’t get in the next 2 or 3 years. I don’t understand where the Indian team sees Sanju Samson. I believe they should see Samson as a batter.

“You can fit him in as a keeper later on, but he is a batter primarily. I feel he warrants more chances than the chances that he has had. If he does get it, it should be in a position he is comfortable batting at – maybe No. 4 or No. 5,” the 33-year-old player said.

Also Read: IND vs WI: Wasim Jaffer Surprised With Sanju Samson’s Ouster In 1st ODI

Abhinav Mukund also felt that the team will send Suryakumar Yadav at no.3 slot and Samson at no.4 in IND vs WI 2nd ODI.

“You can try him if Shreyas Iyer isn’t fit. That’s where I thought they would come from. I thought they would send Suryakumar Yadav at No. 3 and Samson at No. 4 because Shreyas Iyer is the man in question. They want a left-right combination, but that didn’t work today,” the former CSK player added.

Also Read: IND vs WI: “He Is Going Forward A Bit Too Much For My Liking” – Abhinav Mukund On Struggling Shubman Gill

There is a narrow battle between Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to grab the place of wicketkeeper for India in the ICC World Cup 2023. Due to the absence of Rishabh Pant from the national team, India will need at least one among them in the squad during the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan came up with a stunning batting show in IND vs WI 2nd ODI. The left-handed batsman scored another fifty in the match, after smacking one in the opening game. However, India lost the match by 6 wickets to West Indies.