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The third ODI between India and New Zealand was called off in Christchurch on Wednesday (November 30) as rain god continued to play spoilsport in the three-match series. Kane Williamson-led New Zealand thus clinched the series 1-0. Batting first, Kiwis were 104/1 in 18 overs in the chase of 220 runs against India when the rain interrupted the game, eventually forcing it to be called off. Finn Allen fell for 57 but the Blackcaps were well in control in their chase. Devon Conway (38 not out) and skipper Kane Williamson, who was yet to open his account, were at the crease during the interruption.
India's stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan once again addressed the burning debate surrounding the selection of Sanju Samson. Dhawan came up with a thorough answer and explained why proven 'match-winner' Rishabh Pant is being backed over Samson.
"Overall you have to see the larger picture and who is your match winner. You analyse and your decisions are based on that," Dhawan said at the post-match interaction.
Known for his flamboyance, the left-handed Pant once again failed after miscuing a rising delivery to get out for a 16-ball 10 as India folded for 219 in the third and final ODI against New Zealand. Pant's scores in his last nine innings across the two white-ball formats read 10, 15, 11, 6, 6, 3, 9, 9 and 27.
Samson, on the other hand, shone in the limited opportunities and was impressive in the home ODIs versus South Africa last month. The Kerala stumper got out after making 36 in the first ODI in Auckland.
Dhawan said it's 'not difficult' to be in the captain's shoes while making tricky choices, such as picking Pant over Samson.
"Of course, Sanju Samson has been doing really well in whatever opportunity he got," Dhawan observed.
"But sometimes you got to wait for your chances, because the other player has done well and we know based on his (Pant's) skill that he's a match-winner. So you need to back him when he's not doing well."
