The omission of wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson from India’s ODI World Cup 2023 squad has sparked significant discussion and disappointment among cricket fans. Despite boasting a healthy average, Samson was not among the selectors’ picks for the World Cup, set to commence on October 5.
Sanju has participated in just 13 ODIs throughout his career, accumulating 390 runs at an impressive average of 55.71. Despite his noteworthy stats, he did not secure a spot in the much-anticipated mega-tournament.
Sanju has also represented India in 24 T20Is, where he scored 374 runs in 21 innings, averaging 19.68 with a strike rate of 133.57. During the India tour of West Indies in July-August this year, Sanju was part of the squad. Although he managed to score a half-century in his last ODI and a total of 60 runs in two matches, his performance in the T20I series was subpar, amassing just 32 runs in three innings, with a top score of 13.
“It’s very important for a player to understand himself”: S Sreesanth
Former India pacer S Sreesanth weighed in on Sanju’s exclusion from the ODI World Cup squad, suggesting that Samson should work on his attitude, heed the advice of “legends,” and adapt his batting according to match conditions.
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“I think it’s the right decision because it’s very important for a player to understand himself,” remarked Sreesanth to Sportskeeda. “From Gavaskar sir to Harsha Bhogle sir and Ravi Shastri sir, 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 the pitch. He can change that attitude.”
Sreesanth pointed out that Sanju often gets dismissed while attempting rash shots, emphasizing that the 28-year-old should trust his ability to recover from a slow start and spend more time at the crease.
“Whenever I meet him, I tell him just one thing: ‘Sanju, please read the wicket. Wait, don’t go after every bowler. Think. You can hit anyone anywhere anytime; just wait for the opportunity.’”
The former cricketer added: “All of Malyali people who support him, including me, say he doesn’t get chances. We can’t say that. He got chances against Ireland, Sri Lanka, he has been playing IPL for 10 years. He has been playing since 2013, has been the captain too, and has scored just three 100s and he hasn’t shown consistency.”
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