IND vs AUS: Why Sanju Samson not part of Australia, ODI World Cup or Asian Games squad?

The Indian cricketing arena buzzed with excitement as the selectors announced the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. Scheduled to commence on September 22, this series holds significant importance as it’s seen as the final preparation for the highly-anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, set to kick off on October 5 in India.

Why is Sanju Samson not part of IND vs AUS squad?

One notable absence that raised eyebrows was the exclusion of Sanju Samson from the squad. Despite boasting an impressive average of 55.71 in 13 ODI games for India and consistent performances in domestic cricket, Samson’s name was conspicuously missing from the lineup.

In the past, Samson has often found himself on the fringes of national selection, and this time, despite his consistent performances in List A Cricket and noteworthy contributions in the recent ODI matches, he wasn’t considered for the series against Australia. This decision has ignited discussions regarding the team management’s confidence in the right-handed batter and its implications for his future in the Indian ODI setup.

One can’t overlook Samson’s remarkable scores in his last 8 ODI innings, during the period between August 20, 2022, and August 1, 2023. With scores of 43*, 15, 86*, 30*, 2*, 36, 9, and 51, he showcased his ability to play crucial innings and handle different match situations adeptly. However, despite these performances, Samson hasn’t managed to secure a steady spot in the team.

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his disappointment over Samson’s exclusion, highlighting the talented cricketer’s consistent efforts and the opportunity he deserved. The decision not to include him in the squad has sparked a debate among spectators and critics, questioning the wisdom of the selectors and team management.

The selectors’ decision to rest senior players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Virat Kohli for the first two games against Australia was another interesting move. It highlighted their focus on managing the workload of key players ahead of major tournaments. However, it also raised concerns about providing ample match practice to these key players before heading into crucial competitions like the World Cup.

Sanju Samson’s absence from the Indian ODI squad for the series against Australia has left fans and cricket pundits perplexed. Given his recent performances and consistency, it remains a point of discussion why he didn’t make the cut. Only time will tell if Samson will get the opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage and silence the critics, proving his worth in the Indian ODI setup.