IND vs NZ: "Want Sanju Samson To Bat At No. 3"- Rajkumar Sharma Recommends Changing The Team India Batting Order For ODI's vs New Zealand

Rajkumar Sharma, Virat Kohli’s former coach, believes that in-form Team India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson should start the ODI series against New Zealand at No. 3. Samson is a very good player up the order, according to Sharma. 

The Kerala stumper was also a member of India’s T20I team against New Zealand. He was not chosen for the starting XI, though, as the Men in Blue continued to support Rishabh Pant. 

The Batting Order Can Be Changed: Rajkumar Sharma

In ODIs, Shreyas Iyer has typically filled the No. 3 position when Virat Kohli isn’t available. Sharma believes there is no reason why the batting order cannot be changed, though. He said during a conversation on India News: 

“The batting order can be changed. I want Sanju Samson to bat at No. 3. He is a very good player up the order. Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) can bat at No.4. India have Rishabh Pant as well.” 

Sharma acknowledged that Shreyas has been having difficulties lately but supported him in getting through them, particularly in light of the increasing deliveries. The 57-year-old said: 

“Shreyas Iyer is struggling a little, but he needs to be given some confidence. He has been in trouble against the short ball. I am sure he must be working on it. As for the final selection, it all depends on the team management – what thought process they have.” 

Saba Karim Wants Sanju Samson To Play At No.5

With the 2023 ODI World Cup in mind, young players like Shreyas and Shubman Gill have another chance to make a significant impression because Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul were rested for the New Zealand tour. 

The former India keeper-batter Saba Karim shares Sharma’s desire for Sanju Samson to be selected for the starting XI for the ODIs against the New Zealanders. He has an alternative opinion regarding the right-hitting hander’s position, though. Karim opined: 

“Considering Shreyas Iyer’s contribution in the previous series’, I feel he deserves to bat at No.3. Suryakumar Yadav will be No. 4. I want Sanju Samson to play and bat at No.5. The time has come to give him chances. He has been batting responsibly of late.” 

In the three-match ODI series against South Africa in October, just before the T20 World Cup 2022, Sanju Samson scored 86*, 30*, and two*.

Shahbaz Ahmed Can Prove To Be A Good Alternative For Ravindra Jadeja: Saba Karim

While discussing lower-order batting positions, Karim named all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed as a suitable replacement for Ravindra Jadeja. He said: 

“Shahbaz Ahmed is a very valuable player. He can prove to be a good alternative for Ravindra Jadeja. I have followed him in domestic cricket and he is someone who can come in at No. 6 as a batting all-rounder if needed and can also be a fifth or sixth bowling option.” 

The 27-year-old Ahmed played his first ODI during the home series against South Africa. He made a strong impression in Delhi during the third game of the rubber, recording 2/32 from seven overs. 

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav Retains Top Spot In Latest ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings