Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad believes Sanju Samson would have been included in India’s Asia Cup squad had he been in the scheme of things for the T20 World Cup. Samson was part of the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe but didn’t get his chance in the multi-team tournament.
As Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik were picked in India’s T20 World Cup squad, Samson was ignored by the national selectors. Samson is a treat to watch when he gets going but he hasn’t received many opportunities for the national team.
The right-hander had scored 458 runs in 17 matches for Rajasthan Royals and had played a key role in taking them to the final of IPL 2022.
However, he was not considered for the T20 World Cup squad selection despite having a good run in the IPL. In fact, Samson hasn’t received regular opportunities in the shortest format of the game, which has been a surprise.
“The question is, Sanju Samson, in place of who? Deepak Hooda gives you that extra bowling option. He can bat anywhere like Sanju, and Shreyas has done well in the home series against Sri Lanka and then in the West Indies. If the team management wanted to pick Sanju, they would have given him an opportunity in the Asia Cup or the upcoming home series against South Africa and Australia. If he is not picked, one knows he is not in the scheme of things,” MSK Prasad told The Indian Express.
Prasad feels players like Sanju Samson, Ravi Bishnoi, and Ishan Kishan will get more chances in the T20I squad after the T20 World Cup.
“I have a feeling that post this T20 World Cup, guys like Sanju, Ravi Bishnoi, Ishan Kishan and others will get more chances and will be regulars, at least in T20Is,” added Prasad.
India has picked a potent squad for the T20I showpiece and they will look to bring their A-game to the table. Team India was knocked out of the previous edition in the Super 12 stage and they would want to come up with a better performance.
India will face South Africa and Australia before the T20I World Cup.
