Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim feels that Sanju Samson is a more efficient batter than the wicket-keeper and raised his concern regarding India’s batting order in the 2nd ODI, which has invited criticism on the Indian think-tank, as it looks like they were unsure of their plans going into the Asia Cup 2023.
India played Sanju Samson at No.3 followed by Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav in the 2nd ODI game against the Men in Maroon, as none of the batters tried to put pressure back on the Windies attack in Barbados, which led the criticism of resting Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Speaking on Jiocinema, Saba Karim said that he is not being too harsh on Sanju Samson for his knock in the 2nd ODI and reckons that he is a better batter than the wicket-keeper batter in the team admitting that he didn’t have a consistent run with the Indian team over the years.
“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 runs 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.
Sanju Samson was one of the unluckiest cricketers in the Indian team, as he made his debut for the Indian team in 2015, but has played only 29 games for the Men in Blue in International Cricket.
The stylish right-hander has performed exceedingly well for the Indian team batting lower down the order but was sent to the No.3 position, where he could not find his usual best on Saturday.
Ishan Kishan Will Not Open The Innings In The World Cup – Saba Karim
Saba Karim was baffled by the batting order against West Indies in the 2nd ODI and stated that the team’s think-tank is confusing everyone with its strategies. He also questioned Ishan Kishan’s role in the team.
“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,” Saba Karim added.
It will be interesting to see which team comes up at the top at the final ODI to win the series as this series win would be a good morale boost for India going into the Asia Cup 2023.