The inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian squad for the three-match series against Australia raised concerns among experts and veteran cricketers, especially with the possibility of him joining the World Cup team due to Axar Patel’s injury. Meanwhile, social media erupted with criticism directed at the BCCI, questioning the decision not to give Sanju Samson a chance when four regular players were rested for the first two matches of the series.
Fans expressed their frustration, considering that Samson had been part of the Asia Cup team, albeit as a traveling reserve, but was sent home at the start of the Super Four stage and later overlooked for the Australia series. Sreesanth, a former India cricketer and part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, criticized Samson, urging him to adjust his “attitude” in light of increasing competition for a spot in the Indian team.
Sanju Samson made his ODI debut in 2021 and has played 13 matches for India, amassing 390 runs at an impressive average of 55.71, including three fifties. Out of these, 10 appearances were in 2022, during which he scored 284 runs, with an unbeaten 86 against South Africa in Lucknow as his best performance. This year, he made only two appearances, scoring 51 against West Indies in August.
Criticism on social media also extended to India’s decision to back Suryakumar Yadav for a spot in the World Cup squad, despite his average of just 25.52 in 28 matches since 2021. On the other hand, young Tilak Varma garnered support for a World Cup spot, impressing both veterans and selectors with his performance in the T20I series against West Indies, although he has yet to deliver standout performances in ODIs.
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Sreesanth, in a discussion with Sportskeeda, expressed his belief that the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar made the correct decision by excluding Sanju Samson from the World Cup squad. He advised his former Kerala teammate to heed the counsel of cricket legends like Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar, who have encouraged Samson to exhibit patience in his batting.
“I think it’s the right decision because it’s very important for a player to understand himself,” Sreesanth said to Sportskeeda. “From Gavaskar to Ravi Shastri, everyone rates him highly. There’s no doubt about his ability. But the approach… he doesn’t listen when someone asks him to play according to pitch. That attitude and approach he needs to change. When the legends of the game are telling you to read the wicket…take your time. That is why I keep telling him the same thing, even now when I meet him…read the wicket first and bat accordingly,” he added.
Sreesanth elaborated on his perspective by highlighting that players like Rishabh Pant have demonstrated unwavering consistency, even dating back to their domestic cricket days, a quality that Sanju Samson has not consistently displayed despite holding the leadership role in the state team.