Sanju Samson, the talented wicketkeeper-batsman hailing from Kerala, found himself in a somewhat unexpected situation ahead of the all-important 2023 World Cup. Despite boasting an impressive ODI batting average of over 50, his name was conspicuously absent from India’s roster for the upcoming World Cup.
Samson’s journey in the One Day International (ODI) format began in 2021 when he made his debut for the Indian team. However, he struggled to secure a permanent spot in the lineup and managed to accumulate 390 runs in 13 ODIs leading up to the Asia Cup 2023. This included three notable half-centuries, showcasing his prowess with an average of 55.71 and a strike rate of 104.
Many cricket enthusiasts had anticipated Samson’s inclusion in both the Asia Cup and the World Cup squads, given his remarkable statistics in the 50-over format. One of his memorable performances was his 51-run contribution off just 41 balls in a match against West Indies on August 1, 2023, at the Brian Lara Stadium, which significantly contributed to India’s imposing total of 351 runs.
The picture of Sanju Samson that sums up his emotions
In 2022, Samson’s bat spoke loudly as he crafted an outstanding unbeaten 86 off 63 balls in a match against South Africa, albeit in a losing effort on a challenging pitch at the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Furthermore, he displayed his match-winning capabilities with a 51-ball 54 that helped India successfully chase down a formidable target of 312 runs against West Indies at Queen’s Park Oval.
Despite these remarkable performances, Samson faced stiff competition in the wicketkeeping department from KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan, both of whom secured their spots in India’s World Cup squad.
However, there remains a glimmer of hope for Samson, as he could potentially find a place in India’s T20I squad for the Asian Games 2023, allowing him to continue showcasing his cricketing prowess on the international stage.
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