Fans were shocked to find Sanju Samson‘s name missing from India’s playing XI for the first One-Day International against Australia.
Fans were shocked to find Sanju’s name missing from India’s playing 11 for the first ODI against Australia. Sanju had a fantastic opportunity to establish himself at least as a backup batsman in the middle order during the ODI series between India and Australia with Shreyas Iyer sidelined. But it was not to be as the Kerala skipper is still at National Cricket Academy and healing from the injury that he got early this year. A BCCI representative confirmed
“Sanju is still at the National Cricket Academy recovering from the injury. He is not available for the 1st ODI. Selectors will take a call on whether he will be added to the squad as a replacement for Shreyas. But considering the tight schedule, it is unlikely that Sanju will be fit in time for the 2nd ODI,” a senior BCCI official
India has chosen a strong starting lineup for the first ODI, starting four pacers in Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya. Both Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja return to the ODI team.
Ishan Kishan, the selected wicketkeeper, will start the batting alongside Gill.
The starting lineup for India consists of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami.
Sanju Samson at NCA
At the present, BCCI is not taking any chances with RR Skippers.
Jasprit Bumrah and Deepak Chahar have paid the price for a hurried return during the past six months. The National Cricket Academy’s attempt to hasten Ravindra Jadeja’s entry into competitive cricket caused even his return to be postponed.
It is reported that Samson is making progress in his recuperation from a knee injury and could play cricket again soon.
Since sustaining a knee injury in the first T20I game against Sri Lanka in January, Samson has been out of commission. Due to an injury, the skipper of the Rajasthan Royals was also left off the squad for the series against New Zealand.
