The exclusion of Sanju Samson from India’s playing XI in the first ODI against West Indies in Barbados was a major talking point on Thursday as India went with a left-handed batting and keeper option in Ishan Kishan.
Fans had been expecting that Sanju Samson will be picked as the wicket-keeper who would bat in the middle-order over Ishan Kishan in these 3 ODIs in West Indies. However, fans were given a shock when the Kerala and Rajasthan Royals cricketer was excluded from the side.
Suryakumar Yadav took the field wearing Sanju Samson’s jersey in first ODI
Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first in the first ODI in Barbados. Interestingly, Suryakumar Yadav came on to the field wearing Sanju Samson’s jersey. This created a bit of a laughing stock for the fans who tweeted some hilarious posts.
A fan wrote a funny tweet on this incident of Suryakumar taking the field wearing Samson’s jersey.
“It takes a lot of guts to protest against your India and IPL captain for your beloved teammate. I respect you Suryakumar,” wrote a fan.
It takes a lot of guts to protest against your India and IPL captain for your beloved teammate. I respect you Suryakumar. pic.twitter.com/t5TVt2WlMD
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) July 27, 2023
“Ma man protesting the exclusion of Samson. What a hero,” said one user.
Ma man protesting the exclusion of Samson. What a hero https://t.co/dZaYl3LmQp
— Varun (@wizardrincewind) July 27, 2023
“The management didn’t include Sanju Samson in the team but it seems they have made Surya wear his jersey to ease the pain of the fans,” wrote another fan.
The management didn't include Sanju Samson in the team but it seems they have made Surya wear his jersey to ease the pain of the fans. 🙃#INDvWI #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/kb5YVGIFvf
— VT (@vipinverse) July 27, 2023
Here are some more reactions:
The craze for Sanju Samson in the Indian team 🔥 https://t.co/cHMS9LJda7
— Lazy Guy (@kuzhi__madiyan) July 27, 2023
Blud is literally playing in his place so wearing his jersey isn't a big deal https://t.co/FjXII7EK3S
— DONWAY⁸⁸ (@D0NWAYY) July 27, 2023
https://twitter.com/Cricket_1807/status/1684558426280693760?s=20
World's richest board but not enough money to provide a jersey to every player. https://t.co/wIQA6YLaL7
— Sanket (@sankulyaa) July 27, 2023
Surya should try acting😂.what he is trying to show ,making fun of a humble man like Sanju samson😏. shameful gesture https://t.co/rbK0sRbikD
— Sabarinath (@Saby2295) July 27, 2023
Seems Surya also joined in Justice for Samson campaign https://t.co/4xUXrUPcuN
— Karthi (@The_Hitwicket) July 27, 2023
Sanju Samson had a prolific 2022 in ODIs: in 9 ODI innings last year, Samson cracked 284 runs, remaining not out 5 times, at an average of 71 and strike rate of 105, playing the perfect role of a middle-order batsman who can stabilize the innings as well as finish with aplomb and fireworks. His best came against a quality South African bowling attack – 86* off 63 balls, almost finishing off a big chase.
India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field in the 1st ODI vs West Indies.
Here are the two teams:
West Indies (Playing XI): Shai Hope(w/c), Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Yannic Cariah, Dominic Drakes, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan(w), Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar
