IND vs WI: Don't Drop Him Now - Aakash Chopra Wants India To Play Sanju Samson In 3rd ODI

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra talked about the Indian team combination for the series decider against West Indies at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. He urged team management to not drop Sanju Samson after one failure and play him in the last game.

The series between India and West Indies stands levelled at 1-1. The focus now turns towards the final game of the series but all the eyes will be on the visitors. They have made quite a few surprising decisions in order to get the answers but it’s fair to say that it hasn’t been the way they would’ve wanted.

The big question remains will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play the last game after being rested for the third game? Sanju Samson got a chance in the second ODI after missing out on the first game. But if both the senior batters return to the final game, another question pops up about Samson’s place.

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Ishan Kishan has been in fine form and has smashed two back-to-back half-centuries in the series. But India is yet to try him out in the middle order. But with Sanju Samson there as well, it’s fair to say that one among them will be in contention to play the final game.

Aakash Chopra feels that there’s uncertainty about Ishan Kishan as a middle order but he remarked that he shouldn’t be tested at the cost of Sanju Samson. The cricket-turned-commenter also mentioned that the upcoming game will be very crucial for Suryakumar Yadav, who is under a lot of scanner in ODIs.

Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he explained: “Ishan Kishan as an opener – tick mark, but Ishan Kishan as a middle order – we don’t know. Sanju Samson has got one knock at No. 3, so don’t drop him now, keep him in the team.

“I think this will be a very important game for Suryakumar Yadav. He is going to remain in our thoughts because he plays T20s too and plays very well but if he doesn’t score runs in ODIs here as well, you will see a slight problem brewing.”

Also Read: IND vs WI: Dropping Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Can Lead To Series Defeat – Aakash Chopra

IND vs WI: Hardik Pandya needs to score runs – Aakash Chopra

Hardik Pandya’s form with the bat of late too hasn’t been impressive. He failed to make a mark in the two games. And Aakash Chopra feels that the all-rounder needs to score runs and his form could help Sanju Samson, who has less experience.

He elaborated: “Hardik Pandya needs to score runs. Hardik Pandya’s bowling is essential in any case but he scoring runs is even more essential. Why do you have a combination of seniors and juniors in a team?

“Assuming you are playing with Sanju, not that Sanju is a spring chicken, but Sanju does not have that much experience, so it is important for Sanju that Hardik Pandya stands with him. If Hardik gets out, there is more pressure on Sanju. That is why Hardik is very important in my opinion.”

It remains to be seen what combination India fields for the final game, which will take place on Tuesday (1st August).

Also read: IND vs WI: Allow Umran Malik To Complete Full Quota Of Overs – Pragyan Ojha