Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson. Pic Credits: Twitter.

The 2nd ODI match between India and New Zealand was washed out due to incessant rain. New Zealand has the 1-0 lead in the 3-Match ODI Series where in the 1st ODI they thrashed the Men in Blue. Indian Cricket Team surprisingly left out Sanju Samson from the playing 11 and included Deepak Hooda in the team.

12.5 overs were bowled in India’s innings as they managed to score 89 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. Shubman Gill was looking threatening as he scored 45 runs in 42 balls where he struck 4 fours and 1 six. He got ample support from the scintillating batter Suryakumar Yadav who scored 34 runs in 25 balls where he smashed 2 fours and 3 sixes.

Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill
Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill. Pic Credits: Twitter.

Wasim Jaffer on Sanju Samson

Wasim Jaffer was having an interaction with ESPNcricinfo and was asked about Sanju Samson. “I think it’s unfortunate, he is a very good player. Just because India has got 5 bowling options and that’s the reason they look at Deepak Hooda. On just pure batting ability, you will always pick Sanju Samson ahead of Deepak Hooda; but because of the 6th bowling option , you pick Deepak Hooda over Sanju Samson or over anybody else,” said Wasim Jaffer.

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Wasim Jaffer
Wasim Jaffer. Photo- Twitter

“So, I think it’s very unfortunate because in white ball cricket you want Sanju Samson playing both formats. In T20Is and in ODIs, he is a good enough player to bat at No.1 to No.6. India doesn’t have that many all-rounders to fit Sanju Samson in.  All I can say when he gets an opportunity, just outscore the other guys who are in competition with him,”  he added.

Conundrum for Management

Sanju Samson would be wondering what he needs to do to be a permanent member of the team. There’s no doubt that finding a spot in playing 11 is getting tougher day by day. As mentioned by Jaffer, the batter needs to outscore the other batters to stamp the authority.

Sanju Samson-Rishabh Pant
Sanju Samson-Rishabh Pant Photo Credit: (BCCI)

Head Coach VVS Laxman & Captain Shikhar Dhawan will have to be spot-on with their selection as the next ODI match is a do-or-die contest for the team. Samson would be well aware of the fact that there are fewer chances for him to get featured in 3rd ODI unless and until the management drops Rishabh Pant from the side.

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