Ex-India cricketer and selector names Sanju Samson as a potential contender for 2023 ODI World Cup spot

Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim believes that Sanju Samson could still find his way into the ODI World Cup squad, particularly if KL Rahul fails to regain complete fitness.

SportsTak

• Thu • 24 Aug 2023

Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim believes that Sanju Samson could still find his way into the ODI World Cup squad, particularly if KL Rahul fails to regain complete fitness. Samson, the talented batsman from Kerala, boasts an impressive ODI record. However, his recent listing as a standby player for the Asia Cup raised eyebrows, more so when KL Rahul made a return after a significant hiatus from the game.

In a chat with Jio Cinema, Karim shifted the spotlight back onto the memorable innings from the second T20I. The seasoned ex-wicketkeeper accentuated the significance of Samson's performance, advocating for his potential inclusion in the World Cup lineup, especially if Rahul's fitness remains uncertain.

"But on top of that, even Sanju Samson, for that matter. Sanju Samson remains in the reckoning. In case KL Rahul is not fit, then who do the selectors look at? So Samson comes in as a replacement for KL Rahul. So that is why those 40 valuable runs in the 2nd T20I outing at number four was a huge positive for India," said Karim.

"Plus Prasidh Krishna, as we have always talked about, good to see him come back. I think this season, this series performance compared to last year when India Tour Ireland was much better," he added.

According to Karim, Samson's impressive knock in the second T20I emerges as a beacon of hope and a massive positive takeaway for the Indian team, reinforcing the belief in the player's capabilities at crucial junctures.

To put things into perspective, Samson has accumulated a commendable 390 runs in just 12 ODI innings, with an exceptional average of 55.71 and an impressive strike rate of 104.00.

Adding to his accolades was a significant innings of 51 runs in the pivotal ODI series decider against West Indies. Moreover, during the second T20I clash against Ireland, Samson's prowess was on full display. Facing a challenging situation at 34 for two, Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad orchestrated a vital partnership, setting the stage for India's formidable score of 185 for five.

With the World Cup on the horizon, speculations around team selection are bound to gain momentum. Given his recent displays of skill and temperament, Sanju Samson surely presents a compelling case for inclusion, a sentiment echoed by stalwarts like Saba Karim. Whether Samson makes the final cut remains to be seen, but his credentials and recent form undoubtedly position him as a worthy contender.