On Thursday (18th July 2024), the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket India) officially revealed the white ball series squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour that commences on July 27 (Sunday). Two days before the squad announcement, there was a heated debate between Gautam Gambhir and the selectors. Although, the Indian cricket team witnessed the return of Shreyas Iyer, the 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was dropped from the 15-member ODI squad.
However, it was shocking to know that Samson, who scored a match-winning century knock of 108 runs from 114 balls (including 6 fours and 3 sixes) in the last ODI match of the series against South Africa in December 2023 was included only in the T20I squad. Rather, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant were named as the wicketkeepers-batters for the ODI squad.
Despite experiencing one of the best IPL seasons of his career in 2024, Sanju Samson couldn’t get an opportunity to be included in the playing XI for at least a single match of the T20 World Cup 2024 (T20 WC 2024). He only played a warm-up match against Bangladesh but failed to make an impact by scoring 1 run from 6 balls.
Also, Rinku Singh was dismissed from the ODI squad whereas Riyan Parag and Harshit Rana are set to make their debut in the 50-over format.
After Gautam Gambhir became India’s head coach, most of us would have believed that Samson’s career would take off to reach greater heights. But, the progress seems to be lackluster right now. Earlier, in 2020, Gambhir said that if Samson doesn’t play for India, then it’s the team’s loss.
Gautam Gambhir Praised Sanju Samson Before T20 WC 2024 Squad Selection
Here’s what Gautam Gambhir said about Sanju Samson’s performance before the selection of the T20 World Cup 2024 Squad:
“Great! Remember that you are not a newbie to wait any longer to get enough chances. You have enough experience of playing international cricket matches, and you’ve performed well in the IPL. Now, it’s time to grab your chance to play in the World Cup. I hope that Sanju proves to the world what he is capable of at this stage,” Gambhir said.
After the completion of the T20 World Cup 2024, the focus shifts to ODIs as the Indian cricket team under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy would be keen to win the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 played in the 50-over format. But Samson was included only in the T20I side. Moreover, he might not be able to secure a spot in the playing XI due to the presence of Rishabh Pant as a wicketkeeper in the T20I squad. Also, he was ignored once again in the ODIs, a format where he would have hoped to grab more opportunities to enjoy massive growth in his cricketing career.
Sanju Samson ODI Stats
The Kerela-born cricketer has played only 16 matches in his ODI career since his debut in 2021, out of which Samson scored 510 runs in 14 innings at an average of 56.67 and strike rate of 99.61. It includes 3 fifties and a career-best century of 108 runs to his name. This shows how the 29-year-old cricketer made use of the limited opportunities to prove his best talent.
Sanju Samson Runs in IPL 2024: One of the Best Seasons for the Right-Handed Batter
With his right-handed batting techniques, Sanju Samson ranked as the 5th highest run scorer of the IPL 2024 season by accumulating 531 runs in 15 innings at an average of 48.27. Also, he leveled Virat Kohli’s record of achieving most half-centuries in that season (5 fifties).
Have the selectors made the right decision in excluding Sanju Samson from the ODI squad?
NO! The selectors haven’t made the right decision. Rather, they missed a valuable trick of including Sanju Samson in the squad. His presence in the team can help to grab many match-winning moments. Here is how Samson can perform batting at different positions:
- 3rd Position: Guarantees to anchor the team’s innings and build a consistent partnership, batting at an average of 54.33.
- 4th Position: Maintains an average of 51 or more by exhibiting a mix of constructive and destructive innings.
- 5th Position: Provides strength to the middle order batting unit, and accelerates his batting performance based on his team’s requirements.
- 6th Position: Can handle high-pressure games and plays the role of the best finisher to guide his team to a huge total at a record-breaking average of 90.
Observing the present situation, it seems that Gambhir might have ignored Samson by prioritizing regular players such as Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul in the ODI squad.
Kerala MP Shares His Disappointment on Social Media: No Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma
After the squad announcement, Kerala MP Shashi Tharoor voiced his disappointment on his X account saying that “ Very Good! The squad selection has been interesting. However, Sanju Samson, who hit a century in his previous ODI match against South Africa, and Abhishek Sharma who smashed a T20I century in the IND vs ZIM series, haven’t been selected at all. I think the success of India colors matters less to the selectors. Anyway, Good Luck to the entire team for the upcoming series.”
Conclusion:
As the squad looks promising to create a sensation and gives a clear idea of what Gautam Gambhir is desperate for, one has to accept the fact that Sanju Samson hasn’t received a great deal. This is because he has not been offered enough chances in his career, due to which the talented right-handed batter couldn’t secure his spot as a core player in T20Is and ODIs.
Finally, Sanju Samson is geared up to prove his talent in T20Is. His fans hope that Ajit Agarkar’s led national selection committee will recognize and realize his best abilities when he is in his best form so that he won’t be overlooked again in future series and tournaments.