The hope of Kerala batsman Sanju Samson participating in the ODI World Cup 2023 seems to have faded, largely due to India’s unexpected loss to the West Indies in a recent five-match T20I series in the Caribbean. Reports suggest that Sanju Samson’s struggles during this period, with scores of 12, 7, and 13 in T20Is and 9 and 51 in ODIs, might hinder his chances of making India’s 15-member ODI squad for the Asia Cup 2023.
In essence, it appears that Sanju Samson’s chances of being selected for the ODI World Cup 2023 are now slim. The Asia Cup is set to commence on August 30 in Multan, with India facing Pakistan on September 2. The selection for the Asia Cup team will likely be made around August 20, while the ODI World Cup squad will be chosen at a later date.
Despite his respectable ODI average of 55.71 in 13 matches, Sanju Samson’s prospects are dampened by the expected return of veteran wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul from injury. Additionally, Ishan Kishan, a reliable opener-keeper, is being considered as a backup option for the squad.
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Pacer Prasidh Krishna, who was sidelined due to a back stress fracture after competing against Zimbabwe in August 2022, is a potential candidate for a return to India’s ODI team for the Asia Cup 2023, alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Prasidh Krishna’s ability to generate pace and bounce would bring a fresh dimension to India’s fast bowling attack.
The source stated that observing both Bumrah and Prasidh bowl in the opening T20I against Ireland on August 18 would aid selectors in making their decision for the Asia Cup team.
While other nations have already announced their teams for the event, the BCCI is taking its time to evaluate players’ fitness. KL Rahul’s health has improved, and he has been maintaining wickets. Shreyas Iyer, who underwent back surgery, is still on the path to full recovery. Both players have participated in match simulations at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, and their fitness levels will be assessed after their return from the West Indies tour, leading to the delay in announcing the team.