In the second ODI, the Indian cricket team’s playing XI saw a notable change with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being rested. Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan continued to open the innings, just like in the first ODI. Sanju Samson was promoted to bat at No. 3, and Suryakumar Yadav came in at No. 6.
There were high expectations from Samson, as his fans had been expressing their support on social media for him to get opportunities. However, the Rajasthan Royals captain could only manage to score nine runs off 19 balls before being dismissed.
Former BCCI selector Saba Karim acknowledged Samson’s performance without being overly critical but expressed concerns about the Indian team management’s decision-making regarding the batting order.
“Sanju Sanju Samson is a reluctant wicketkeeper. By saying that, I am not trying to be too harsh. I have found him far more efficient as a batter than as a wicketkeeper-batter. Let’s not be too harsh. Samson has not got any consistent run at a particular position. If you are thinking of him as a no. 4 or no. 5 in the middle-order, he should be played there,” Saba Karim said on Jio Cinema.
“Here you are confusing everybody. When KL Rahul comes in, I am sure Ishan Kishan will not be opening. Now, even if does well while opening the innings what will it do? He will not open the innings in the World Cup.”
Abhinav Mukund, who has played seven Test for India, added: “The top three are fixed. Ishan Kishan is in good form in the top order, but you don’t have a backup middle-order batter so close to the World Cup. Thinking is a little muddled up.”
With only one ODI remaining in the series, the Indian team must improve their performance to win the series and, at the same time, address some crucial aspects in preparation for the upcoming World Cup.