As the 2023 ODI World Cup approaches in just two months, India is in the last phases of determining the team composition. With just two months left until the 2023 ODI World Cup, India is in the advanced stages of finalizing their team configuration.
This urgency for experimenting became evident when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were rested in the last two ODIs against West Indies. Despite the inclusion of several less-established players, India faced a loss in the second ODI.
In the third ODI, Sanju Samson played a significant part, even securing a fifty while batting at the fourth position. Nevertheless, experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Samson doesn’t have a place within the top four positions for ODIs.
Sanju Samson hit a fifty in the 3rd ODI against West Indies
“The other player who got a chance was Sanju Samson. He scored a fifty in the ODI series. In the T20I match, he scored 12 off 12. He got a role in the middle-order. When it comes to IPL, he bats at number three or four largely. Mind you, he has got a very good record in ODIs. A very good average and he scored a 50 in the third ODI as well. And he took down spin as soon as he came in, and that’s his specialty,” R Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“Regarding Team India, the positions at numbers 3 and 4 are not available. Considering Sanju’s skill and potential, we understand that he can influence the game’s direction anytime. He’s a commendable individual and we all wish the best for him. However, the role we anticipate from Sanju within Team India differs,” he continued.
“There isn’t a place for him among the top four positions. Whether a spot will open up for him post the World Cup or in the subsequent one or two years, we must be patient and observe. Virat’s position at 3 is set, and Rohit and Gill are established as the opening pair. Shreyas and KL are also definite choices when they’re in good health. We only require a backup wicketkeeper-batsman,” R Ashwin concluded.
India’s journey in the World Cup kicks off with a match against Australia on October 8th.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.