'Change that attitude': Ex-cricketer gives his verdict on Sanju Samson's World Cup snub

Team India's provisional squad for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 includes almost all the players, who have been in the mix for a considerable time, but a prominent name has missed out. Debates on Sanju Samson's snub are still prevalent and experts like Irfan Pathan and Robin Uthappa have expressed disappointment over not witnessing his name on the roster. However, a contradictory opinion has also come in from another former cricketer and he terms the decision to omit Samson, justified. 

3 things you need to know

• Sanju Samson did not find a place in the World Cup squad
• Samson wasn't a part of the Asia Cup as well
• The ICC ODI World Cup is scheduled to start from October 5, 2023

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Sreesanth feels Sanju Samson's snub from World Cup squad is justified

S Sreesanth has supported the decision of the selection committee to leave Sanju Samson out of the team for the 2023 World Cup. Samson, according to him, needs to improve his mindset, should start listening to "legends," and bat in accordance with the game's rules.

Samson did not receive a call-up to the World Cup, isn't a part of the XIX Asian Games (where India will send a B-team), or the three-match ODI series against Australia despite having a strike rate of 104 and an average of 55.71 after 13 ODIs. The Men in Blue preferred Tilak Varma (21 runs in one ODI) and Suryakumar Yadav (average of 24.40 in 27 ODIs) over him. According to the knowers of the game, Suryakumar Yadav got the edge over Samson because of the game-changing talent he has demonstrated in T20Is. As for Tilak Verma, his lefthandedness and capacity for off-spin bowling appear to compensate for his inexperience.

"I think it's the right decision because it's very important for a player to understand himself," Sreesanth told Sportskeeda. "From Gavaskar sir to Harsha Bhogle sir and Ravi Shastri sir, everyone rates him highly. There's no doubt about his ability. But the approach... he doesn't listen when someone asks him to play according to pitch. He can change that attitude."

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Sreesanth revals what he always tells Sanju Samson

Sreesanth seemingly has doubts over Sanju Samson's temperament and revealed that he has told him in the past to back his skillset and play responsibly. 

"Whenever I meet him, I tell him just one thing: "Sanju, please read the wicket. Wait, don't go after every bowler. Think. You can hit anyone anywhere anytime, just wait for the opportunity," he added.

Sreeanth also addressed the famous grievance regarding Samson, and said that he has been given enough chances to prove his mettle. 

"All of Malyali people who support him, including me, say he doesn't get chances. We can't say that. He got chances against Ireland, Sri Lanka, he has been playing IPL for 10 years. He has been playing since 2013, has been the captain too, and has scored just three 100s and he hasn't shown consistency," he continued.