'KL Rahul should have been a reserve player': Ex-Pakistan star makes bold claim, says unfair not to include Sanju Samson in main squad

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria was extremely unhappy after KL Rahul was included in India's Asia Cup 2023 squad and Sanju Samson was picked as a reserve player.

SportsTak

• Sat • 26 Aug 2023

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria was extremely unhappy after KL Rahul was included in India's Asia Cup 2023 squad and Sanju Samson was picked as a reserve player. Kaneria highlighted Rahul's lack of performances with the bat in Test cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) before the wicketkeeper-batter sustained an injury that forced him to miss a significant amount of time.

The former Pakistan spinner said that instead of picking Samson as a reserve player, Rahul should have been in the youngster's place.

"KL Rahul didn't perform in Test cricket, which led to him losing his place. He then failed to score in the IPL as well. He was injured and got an entry into the team once again when he recovered. This is unfair. If India gave KL Rahul another chance, Sanju Samson should also have been in the squad. Rahul should have been a reserve player. However, maybe he has become such a big name that they can't drop him," Kaneria said on his YouTube channel.

Despite being named in the squad, Rahul is likely to miss a couple of matches to begin the tournament as he has sustained a niggle while rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Commenting further on Samson, Kaneria seemed to have contradicted his own opinion and said that the Indian batter hadn't been treated unfairly. Kaneria believes that Samson has failed to capitalise on the numerous chances he has received.

"Sanju Samson will once again have to carry drinks. While many would say he has been treated unfairly, I disagree with that. He was given enough chances, which he needed to grab them with both hands. You have to perform if you want to be retained in the team," the ex-Pakistan spinner said.

Samson is unlikely to play during the Asia Cup barring any major injury setback in the Indian camp. Even if Rahul missed the opening couple of games, Ishan Kishan is expected to take the wicket-keeping duties while batting in the middle-order.