Former India head coach Ravi Shastri reckons Sanju Samson is a match-winner. However, he added that the wicketkeeper batter is yet to realize his potential. Sanju Samson was recently recalled to India’s ODI team for the three-match series against West Indies. The series will be key to India’s preparations for the ICC ODI World Cup, which will take place later this year.
Sanju Samson has played 11 ODI matches for Team India so far. He has scored 330 runs at an average of 66.00, with two fifties to his name. However, he hasn’t gotten consistent chances for Team India. While speaking to The Week, Ravi Shastri expressed that Sanju Samson needs to realize his potential.
“There is Sanju, who I believe is yet to realize his potential. He is a match-winner. There is something that is missing. I will be disappointed if he does not finish his career all guns blazing,” said Ravi Shastri.
Ravi Shastri draws a parallel between Sanju Samson and Rohit Sharma
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri drew a parallel between Sanju Samson and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. He expressed that he had a similar belief in Rohit Sharma’s abilities as a cricketer. He added that he would have been disappointed if the skipper had not been a regular in the Indian test team. Shastri said,
“It is like when I was the coach, I would have been disappointed if Rohit Sharma had not played in my side as a regular Test player. Hence, his opening the batting. I feel similar to Sanju.”
Team India will play three ODI matches against West Indies, starting from July 27. The first two matches will take place at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. Meanwhile, the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad will host the final ODI between the two teams.
India’s ODI squad against West Indies: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.
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