NZ vs IND: Why is Sanju Samson Not Playing Today’s New Zealand vs India 3rd ODI Match?

Sanju Samson NZ vs IND: In an important breaking news update, India have once again benched Sanju Samson for the third and final ODI game against New Zealand scheduled to take place at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Team India did not witness the best of fortunes as they ended up conceding a disappointing 7-wicket loss at the hands of New Zealand and then the second ODI got abandoned due to persistent rains in Hamilton. The Men in Blue now desperately need to win this third ODI in order to level the three-match ODI series.

NZ vs IND: Why is Sanju Samson Not Playing Today’s New Zealand vs India 3rd ODI Match?

After losing his third toss in a row and being asked to bat first, India captain Shikhar Dhawan revealed that they are going ahead with the same playing combination that played during the last match in Hamilton. This also means that Sanju Samson will still remain on the sidelines despite having played the opening ODI of the series against New Zealand and then getting dropped after scoring 36 runs off 38 balls which also included a half-century stand with Shreyas Iyer for the fifth wicket. During the last game, Dhawan stated that they did miss a sixth bowling option in the first ODI and thus, they have decided to replace Samson with Deepak Hooda who can contribute with a few overs of off-spin bowling. On the other hand, it is quite unfortunate that Sanju Samson failed to get a game during the three-match T20I series against New Zealand and surprisingly, he is also not part of the India ODI squad for the forthcoming tour to Bangladesh.

“You always go with the mindet of winning. We are relaxed in the dressing room and are switching on whenever needed. We’re just sticking to the processes. More grass on this surface, would have liked to bowl as well but we need to bat well. Last game I thought it would seam a lot, but it played well. Shubman has batted well, even Surya. It’s about being positive and creating momentum. Same team,” said Indian captain Shikhar Dhawan during the toss.

IND Playing 11

1. Shikhar Dhawan (C)
2. Shubman Gill
3. Shreyas Iyer
4. Suryakumar Yadav
5. Rishabh Pant (wk)
6. Deepak Hooda
7. Washington Sundar
8. Deepak Chahar
9. Arshdeep Singh
10. Umran Malik
11. Yuzvendra Chahal

? Team News#TeamIndia remain unchanged. #NZvIND

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A look at our Playing XI ? pic.twitter.com/GtVFwgYHqR

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 30, 2022

India vs New Zealand Schedule