Published 16:54 IST, August 25th 2023
Will Sanju Samson get a place in ODI World Cup squad? Ex-cricketer reveals possibilities
India's recent performance in the West Indies was not up to the mark and the Men in Blue would hope to restore their form before the ICC ODI World Cup.
India will open their Asia Cup campaign against archrival Pakistan on 2nd September. Selectors picked up an 18-member squad for the continental competition, which does have a number of surprises. With the ICC ODI World Cup also around the corner, a bunch of players are likely to be in contention for this cricketing extravaganza.
3 things you need to know
- Rohit Sharma will lead India in the Asia Cup
- Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul have been named in the Asia Cup squad
- Hardik Pandya will act as the vice-captain in this tournament.
Will Sanju Samson get a chance at the ICC World Cup?
India's recent performance in the West Indies was not up to the mark and the Men in Blue would hope to restore their form before the World Cup. This is the first time India is hosting the tournament solely and the pressure will be on the home side to take up the home advantage.
[Sanju Samson hits a shot during the West Indies vs India 2nd ODI match; Image: AP]
Sanju Samson has been added to the squad as a reserve wicketkeeper, as KL Rahul hasn't been declared fully fit. Rahul injured himself during the IPL and since then has been in a recovery phase. Despite getting numerous chances, Samson hasn't really gotten it going in the limited-over format.
Ishan Kishan has been the preferred choice, as he has been pretty consistent with his form. But former Indian selector Saba Karim insisted KL Rahul will be in the thick of things if Rahui doesn't make it.
Saba Karim bats for Sanju Samson's inclusion
In an interaction with Jio Cinema, Saba Karim said, "But on top of that, even Sanju Samson, for that matter. Sanju Samson remains in the reckoning. In case KL Rahul is not fit, then who do the selectors look at? So Samson comes in as a replacement for KL Rahul. So that is why those 40 valuable runs in the 2nd T20I outing at number four was a huge positive for India."
"Plus Prasidh Krishna, as we have always talked about, good to see him come back. I think this season, this series performance compared to last year when India Tour Ireland was much better."
India will take on Australia in their first game at the ICC ODI World Cup on 8th October at Chepauk Stadium.
Updated 16:54 IST, August 25th 2023