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

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer was surprised to see Sanju Samson getting benched in IND vs WI 1st ODI. Wasim Jaffer felt that Sanju Samson would get an opportunity in the match and Ishan Kishan was a backup wicketkeeper.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma went ahead with Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper in the playing XI in IND vs WI 1st ODI at Kensington Oval in Barbados. The left-handed batter also opened the innings and slammed a wonderful knock of 52 runs.

Also Read: IND vs WI: Former India Batsman Slams Indian Team Management For Constantly Ignoring Sanju Samson

Was Surprised To Not See Sanju Samson In 1st ODI: Wasim Jaffer

While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Ranji Trophy stalwart Wasim Jaffer said he was surprised to see Sanju Samson out of the playing XI in the opening ODI between West Indies and India. Jaffer said he believed Sanju Samson to be part of the team as a middle-order batsman.

“I thought they’re looking at Ishan Kishan as a backup opener, as well as obviously the backup keeper, and then Sanju [Samson] probably would bat in the middle order. I thought he’ll get an opportunity first, so that’s surprising,” said the former Indian batter”, the 45-year-old said. 

Also Read: IND vs WI: Here’s Why Suryakumar Yadav Was Forced To Wear Sanju Samson’s Jersey During First ODI

Jaffer, who represented India in 31 Tests and 2 ODIs, also added that he was a little surprised by not seeing Axar Patel in the playing XI. According to the former right-handed batsman, India should think about playing three spinners in the future.

“I am a little surprised not seeing Sanju there, and I’m surprised at not seeing Axar Patel there, because I thought when Ravindra Jadeja wasn’t available, he was really brilliant, with ball and bat.

I feel going forward, India need to think about playing three spinners, because Jadeja and Axar can bat at 7 and 8, so I’m a little surprised, but I expected this,” the former RCB player further added. 

Sanju Samson represented India in many ODI games last year. In 9 ODIs, he shattered 284 runs at an average of 71.0 with 5 unbeaten knocks. However, he could not play any ODI this year due to an injury suffered in an encounter against Sri Lanka in January.

Also Read: IND vs WI: “When Kuldeep Yadav Gets Going, He Can Run Through A Side” – Wasim Jaffer

Ishan Kishan has held a poor form in ODIs this year. In 5 ODI games in 2023, the left-handed batsman scored just 85 runs at an average of 21.25. However, he showed good form in IND vs WI 1st ODI, smashing 52 runs. Earlier in December 2022, he stormed an ODI double-century against Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, India crushed West Indies by 5 wickets in IND vs WI 1st ODI. With Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul, India bundled out West Indies for 114. Later, the men-in-blue chased down the target within 23 overs.