Sanju Samson Available For The 2nd ODI Against Sri Lanka As He Recovers From The Knee Injury

Dashing Indian keeper-batsman Sanju Samson has recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of the first ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday in Colombo. Sanju Samson missed out on his ODI debut due to a sprain in his ligament; however, India has received a boost ahead of the second One-day International. The second game will take place on Wednesday at the same venue.

Fans were surprised to see Sanju Samson’s name missing from the playing eleven of the first One-day international. However, it emerged later that the right-handed batsman picked up a niggle ahead of the series opener. In Samson’s absence, Ishan Kishan kept wickets and batted at number three to play a significant role in India’s seven-wicket victory.

Ishan Kishan sparkled on his ODI debut, jump-starting his 50-over international career with a six by dancing down the track. The southpaw reached his fifty off 33 deliveries and perished for 59 off 42 balls. But it was captain Shikhar Dhawan, who stayed till the end as India coasted to victory, chasing 263 with 80 balls to spare.

Shashi Tharoor confirms Sanju Samson’s availability for the second ODI against India:

Shashi Tharoor, MP for Thiruvananthapuram, confirmed via his official Twitter handle that the Kerala-born cricketer would be available for the second ODI against Sri Lanka. Sanju Samson had been in fine form in IPL 2021 for the Rajasthan Royals.

Delighted to hear from Sri Lanka that @IamSanjuSamson has recovered from his strained knee ligament and that Thiruvananthapuram's finest will again be available for India! All the best, Sanju!

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 19, 2021

As a captain, he played more responsibly than seen in the previous seasons. But the 26-year old’s international career is yet to take off as he has not maximized his opportunities in his seven T20Is so far. He managed only 83 runs in seven games at 11.86. But with Ishan Kishan impressing, it remains to be seen if Samson gets an opportunity.

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