Sanju Samson finally got to add to his tally of only one ODI match as he was named in the eleven for the first ODI of the series against West Indies.
Samson made his ODI debut last year in Sri Lanka – in which he scored run-a-ball 46 – but didn’t get the chance to feature in the 50-over format. Now, in the absence of the rested Rishabh Pant, Samson has got his opportunity – ahead of Ishan Kishan in this game – and should make it count as he has been dropped from the T20I squad as well to face West Indies.
Sanju Samson hasn’t played an ODI match for a year
The Kerala batsman had made a big statement in his last international knock – smashing 77 runs off 42 balls in a T20I against Ireland, but was then surprisingly dropped for the England T20Is and the following 5 T20I series against Nicholas Pooran’s team.
West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran won the toss at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain and decided to bowl first amid rain threats. India’s interim skipper Shikhar Dhawan credited the domestic system and the IPL for giving them the depth of talent as they are still a strong unit despite being India’s second-string side.
Dhawan was effusive in praise for his batters in the game, including Sanju Samson.
“We were thinking of batting second, the weather looks like it will rain later on and the wicket is sticky but we are happy to bat first. I’m a very cool captain and like to guide the team, I will love to take the right decision but importantly make sure the process is right, we are focussing on the process and make sure we get the right result.
“It’s complimentary, so much of talent in the country due to our domestic cricket and the IPL. The boys got a lot of exposure, it’s a great opportunity for all to showcase our talent. There’s Surya, Shreyas, Sanju all the boys are quite good – even myself (smiles),” Dhawan said at the toss.
Teams:
India (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan(c), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson(w), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna
West Indies (Playing XI): Shai Hope(w), Brandon King, Shamarh Brooks, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran(c), Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales
Fans on Twitter celebrated Sanju Samson’s inclusion in the eleven. Here are some of the best reactions:
Sanju Samson will be batting at 5 and keeping for India.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 22, 2022
Sanju Samson in starting 11 against west indies
pic.twitter.com/poaEIMDTMq
— SAMSONITE
(@thesuperroyal) People’s hero Sanju Samson is playing. #IndvsWI pic.twitter.com/HZHaMgGt7W
— Anurag (@RightGaps) July 22, 2022
Sanju Samson playing today’s match
— Sanju samson the most elegant batsman of India (@Sanjusamsonfan) July 22, 2022
When Sanju Samson got the chance, he has played only one ODI in almost a decade… Everyone knows he deserves to be in the Indian team yet no one is supporting him, it frustrates me. Sanju Samson is a talented player, please give him 2-3 matches in a row.
@IamSanjuSamson— Sumit Gurjar (@SumitG81832528) July 22, 2022
buying @FanCode subscription to watch @IamSanjuSamson bat hope he bats well.#sanjusamson
— aditya shukla (@leftyadits) July 22, 2022
Can someone alert me when
Sanju Samson comes to bat!!!#sanjusamson #IndvsWI— Boi (@Akhil_pdk) July 22, 2022
@IamSanjuSamson
Fan base of Sanju#Sanju #sanjusamson #IndvsWI pic.twitter.com/JGVPXtYQQt— ganduli (@dsgurja27125050) July 22, 2022
Sanju Samson and this is your time.. play well and get attention #WIvIND
— KąřŧɧıҠ (@MadrassiDaa) July 22, 2022
Sanju playing tonight i hope he play one down or two down more imp he should perform well .all the best sanju. I really want to see u perform well #SanjuSamson #CricketTwitter #IndvsWI #INDvWI
— JAISAL KUMAR (@JAISALKUMAR97) July 22, 2022
