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Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes that the team shouldn't take chances when it comes to the T20 World Cup and should replace the under-fire Sanju Samson with Ishan Kishan. This comes after Samson's abysmal performance in the T20I series against New Zealand. He could only manage to score a total of 46 runs in the five-match assignment.
On the other hand, Kishan made a statement with his long return to international cricket and scored 215 runs from four matches. He scored a half-century in the second T20I before registering his maiden hundred in the format in the fifth T20I. These batting displays have made it quite difficult for the selectors to keep Kishan out of the playing XI. With Tilak Varma expected to return soon, Samson can very well be dropped for the T20 World Cup.
Gavaskar's blunt take on Samson's form
Gavaskar said that even though Samson is a proven performer, he is currently not in form and has been losing his wicket in an odd manner. With the latter struggling with his form, Kishan has an opportunity to cement his place in the XI.
“It’s very difficult to drop him. And drop him for whom? Tilak Varma is a proven performer at this level. Sanju Samson is also a proven performer, but he’s not in form. This has nothing to do with ability or temperament, sometimes form deserts you,” Gavaskar told the broadcasters.
“In a big tournament like the World Cup, you can’t take chances. He’s had all five matches, his highest score is 24, and he’s been getting out in odd ways. That shows a lack of confidence. Unless Tilak Varma isn’t fit, I can’t see Sanju being part of the XI on February 7," he added.
India to face USA in T20 WC opener
After clinching the T20I series against New Zealand by 4-1, India will now be shifting their focus to the T20 World Cup that is right around the corner. They have been drawn in Group A alongside the likes of Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan and USA. They will begin their campaign with the clash against USA on February 7 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
India's squad for T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
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