IND vs ZIM: Would Like To See Sanju Samson Getting A Lot Of Opportunities – Maninder Singh

Former Indian player Maninder Singh said Sanju Samson should play India’s first-choice wicketkeeper ahead of Ishan Kishan in the Zimbabwe ODIs. 

Samson and Ishan are the two options available to keep the wickets apart from stand-in skipper KL Rahul. Rahul’s case would be out of context given that he hasn’t kept wickets for a year and a half.

Would like to see Sanju Samson getting a lot of opportunities: Maninder Singh 

Samson preferred to play as the gloveman in the West Indies ODI series. He fared decently with scores of 12, 54 and 6 not out in three innings. Maninder lauded Samson’s ability to play the flick shot with utmost timing. 

“It’s a difficult choice because both these players (Samson and Ishan) are brilliant players and it’s not going to be easy for the coach and the captain to pick the first-choice wicketkeeper. I am very, very impressed with Sanju Samson because he has got a lot of time. When he plays on the backfoot, you can make out that the batsman has a lot of time,” Maninder said in a media interaction arranged by Sony Sports Network. 

“So I would actually like to see Sanju Samson getting a lot of opportunities before you start thinking that he is not performing consistently. My eyes will be on Sanju Samson,” he added. 

Shubman Gill looks more settled as a cricketer: Maninder Singh 

Shubman Gill, who opened the innings alongside Shikhar Dhawan in West Indies ODIs, finished the series with the most runs between the two teams – 205 runs at an average of 102.50. He was struck on 98 and missed his maiden ODI hundred in the final game as rain showers cut short India’s innings.

KL Rahul’s return to the side could potentially deny Gill another opportunity from opening unless the skipper decides to bat in the middle order.

“Shubman Gill looks more settled as a cricketer. He seems to have a better temperament and more time when he is batting. I really am excited to see him and I hope he performs consistently,” Maninder said. 

The first ODI between Zimbabwe and India will commence 9n on August 18 at the Harare Sports Club.

Also Read: IND vs ZIM: Questions Will Always Be Raised, But I Don’t Really Care: Shubman Gill Hits Back At Critics Ahead Of Zimbabwe Tour