'At some point...': KL Rahul clarifies Sanju Samson's role for ODI series against South Africa

Abhijeet Kumar Singh

UPDATED:Dec 16, 2023 23:05 IST

India's star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson in this frame. (Getty)

Highlights:

Sanju Samson wasn't picked in India's ODI World Cup squad.

Samson last featured in India's ODI fold in the West Indies series in August earlier this year.

Sanju Samson was a contender for the ODI World Cup squad until as recently as August, when he was included in the Asia Cup team heading to Sri Lanka, primarily as a replacement for the injured KL Rahul. However, once Rahul recovered for the Super Four stage, Samson was released from India's Asia Cup team and subsequently overlooked for the World Cup squad. After a three-month hiatus, Samson has rejoined the Indian team for the ODI series against South Africa, beginning Sunday, December 16 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. Ahead of the series, India's captain for the three-match ODI series, Rahul, discussed Samson's expected role.

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Samson's path to securing a spot in the T20 World Cup squad last year and the ODI World Cup team in 2023 has been hindered by injuries and sporadic chances in the national team. Now at 29, Samson has an opportunity to present his case for selection, especially with India preparing for the T20 World Cup in June next year. Despite not being recalled for the T20I series against Australia or South Africa following the 50-over World Cup, Samson aims to influence the selectors' decisions through his performance in the ODIs, with India set to face Afghanistan in another T20I series at home in January.

On the eve of the first ODI against South Africa in Johannesburg, Rahul addressed the media, explaining that Samson will bat in the middle-order, a role he has long held in the Indian team. However, Rahul could not confirm whether Samson would also be given wicketkeeping duties during the three-match series.

“Sanju will bat in the middle order. That is the role he has played whenever he has played ODI cricket. He will bat at No. 5 or 6. For now I am going to keep wickets, but if there is an opportunity for him in that role, he will definitely at some point in the series,” Rahul said in the pre-match press conference on December 16.

Rahul also discussed the possibility of Rinku making his ODI debut in the ODI series against South Africa, following his impressive performance in the two T20I series he participated in. In the just concluded T20I series against Proteas, Rinku amassed 187 runs from 109 balls over six innings, including a half-century.

"Watching Rinku Singh in the IPL, the calmness that he has shown it is very refreshing. In the T20I format, he has performed well. He will get his opportunity even in the ODI series," Rahul added.

India’s squad for three ODIs: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep.