Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes that the Indian cricket team would have to bench Sanju Samson if they want a deep bowling option in playing XI while playing ODI. After being benched through the T20I series in New Zealand, Indian keeper-batter Sanju Samson was once again dropped from India’s playing XI, due to “strategic reasons”, as explained by stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan.
Though India lost the first ODI match against the Kiwis, Samson scored a decent knock and also stitched a 96-run stand with Shreyas Iyer. Yet he was dropped for the second game. Meanwhile, ahead of the 3rd ODI match, Wasim Jaffer explained why India will have to bench Sanju Samson if they want a deep bowling option.
Well, during a discussion with ESPNcricinfo, Wasim Jaffer explained how there isn’t any other top-order cricketer in the 50-over format that the Indian side can afford to drop. Jaffer said that while it’s unfortunate, Sanju Samson will have to make way for an all-rounder when the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya returns aren’t available.
Several cricketers opined that Pant should have been dropped instead of Sanju Samson for the second ODI against New Zealand on Sunday, however, Jaffer has a different take on the topic. Jaffer pointed out that Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the vice-captain for the 3-match ODI series against the Kiwis. Jaffer also said that the left-hander hasn’t done much wrong in his recent appearances in the ODI format. He said:
“When you look at India’s top five, there isn’t anyone that you can drop. Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill are at the top, and then there’s Shreyas Iyer, who has been in tremendous form in ODIs. You can’t think of dropping Suryakumar Yadav.”
He added: “Rishabh Pant is the vice-captain of the team and has been impressive in this particular format. So when you want to add a sixth bowler, Sanju Samson is the one who has to make way. India has to drop him to maintain the balance of the team when they play without Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja.”
He added: “When you look at India’s top five, there isn’t anyone that you can drop. Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill are at the top, and then there’s Shreyas Iyer, who has been in tremendous form in ODIs. You can’t think of dropping Suryakumar Yadav.”
The 2nd ODI match between India and New Zealand was called off just after 12.5 overs because of rain. Both sides will next be seen in action in the third and final fixture on Wednesday, November 30. The game will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The hosts New Zealand are currently leading the series 1-0.
