India's selection of Samson for ODI series vs South Africa not seen as crucial, says Former opener

The Indian Cricket Team will be seen in action against South Africa in the 3-match ODI series starting this Sunday. After 1-1 tie in the T20I series under Suryuakumar Yadav, KL Rahul will look to guide the team to a victory in 50-over matches.  With many new faces in the squad, Aakash Chopra has observed that Sanju Samson gets picked for a format that does not have short-term importance. 

3 things you need to know: 

• IND vs SA: The 3-match ODI Series will commence on 17 December, Sunday
• KL Rahul will be leading the squad with Sanju Samson also a part of it
• Aakash Chopra's views on Samson  

Also Read: India vs South Africa Live Streaming: How to watch the 1st ODI match in India, UK, US & SA?

Aakash Chopra talks about Sanju Samson's position in the team

The first match of the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa is scheduled for Sunday in Johannesburg. Both  Samson and skipper KL Rahul are wicketkeeper-batsmen in the squad. 

Chopra expressed his opinion in a video posted to his YouTube channel, saying that Rinku Singh and Shreyas Iyer ought to be included in India's playing XI for the opening ODI. He further went on to  express his doubts about Samson's chances of playing: 

"Shreyas Iyer will play this match. Rinku Singh will definitely play. I don't know how many opportunities Samson will get but he should get. Somehow Indian cricket picks Samson in a format which is not very important that year. Now ODIs are not important, so you will find Sanju Samson's name there."

Also Read: ‘Going to miss you’: Ex-cricketer claims Shami's absence as a big setback for IND in SA Test series

The former opener was not even certain about Ruturaj Gaikwad's position in the top order: 

"They usually have a line of openers and here you are not finding many. KL Rahul plays as a middle-order wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs. Who will open? Who along with Ruturaj Gaikwad? Rajat Patidar or Sai Sudharsan, or will you get Tilak Varma to open, or Shreyas Iyer or Rahul?"

"Yashasvi (Jaiswal), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan - none of these names are there in this team. Since someone has to open, they will get it done with whoever they wish. Either Sai Sudharsan or Rajat Patidar might be that opener. I have got no idea because no one has said anything."

Sudharsan might be Gaikwad's opening partner if the Indian team management prefers a left-right combination. They could even consider including either Tilak Varma or Sanju Samson in the playing XI, with one of them opening for the team.