Former Indian Cricketer Irfan Pathan wants the Indian team management to give a long rope to the talented Indian wicket-keeper Sanju Samson ahead of the all-important Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023. The Kerala batter is expected to be India’s gloveman for the ODI Series against West Indies.
With Rishabh Pant being ruled of ODI World Cup and KL Rahul uncertain to return for the continental event, Sanju Samson would be a key player for the Men in Blue going forward in the upcoming months. The 28-year-old performed exceptionally well for the Indian team in limited opportunity.
Cricketer-turned-commentator Irfan Pathan took his social media account to share his opinion on Samson’s selection in the team, as he wants the Indian team management to give Sanju Samson an extended opportunity in the 50-over format of the game, as he can take on the spinner in the middle overs of the game.
“Given Pant’s ongoing recovery, it’s time to give Sanju Samson an extended opportunity in one-day cricket. With his skills as a proficient middle-order wicketkeeper-batsman and excellent spin-playing abilities, he could prove to be a valuable addition,” Pathan said on Twitter.
Sanju Samson is expected to play in the Number 5 position for the Indian team, playing the role of the finisher alongside Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja in the lower down the order. The West Indies series would be perfect for the team management to try him in the finisher role for the Indian side. He will look to put a fine performance for the Indian team in the upcoming series to seal his spot for the marquee event later this year.
The 28-year-old has been regarded as generational talent in Indian Cricket but has not got any consistent opportunity for the Indian team at the highest level. The Kerala batter has performed exceedingly well for the Indian team in the limited opportunity in the 50-over format. Sanju Samson has scored 330 runs in 11 ODIs so far at an impressive batting average of 66.
India has brought in a few fresh faces in the Indian team for the ODI squad with the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, and Umran Malik getting a call-up to the West Indies series. The team will look to try a few new things ahead of the much anticipated Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023.