Xtra Time Web Desk: The selectors have included Sanju Samson in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour to the Caribbean. Sanju will be making a comeback in the Indian ODI squad after having missed the series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. He comes in as a replacement for KL Rahul, who has been out with an injury since May.
This is a golden opportunity for the Kerala wicketkeeper batter to stake a claim in the Indian team ahead of the Asia Cup and most importantly World Cup. With Rishabh Pant unlikely to recover in time for the World Cup 2023, this is perhaps a great chance for Sanju to stake a claim for him.
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A lot will depend how much opportunity Sanju gets as Ishan Kishan is also in the team. A good performance from Samson in whatever opportunity he gets will keep the selectors interested. Remember KL Rahul is also not available because he is still recovering.
Samson last participated in a T20I match against Sri Lanka before suffering a hamstring injury. He did not have a good IPL 2023, scoring only 360 runs in 14 innings. In 11 ODIs so far, Samson averages 66 at a strike rate of 104.76. While Kishan was a part of India’s last ODI series against Australia, Samson last played in the 50-over format in November last year against New Zealand and would be hoping to make a mark in whatever opportunity he gets.