Sanju Samson is not in the squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and Australia but former India opener Wasim Jaffer wants the destructive batsman to get a chance in the series decider to be played at Chepauk on Wednesday.
With Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli occupying the first three spots, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja are more or less taking the No 5, 6 and 7. And with Shreyas Iyer nursing a back injury and Suryakumar Yadav looking all at sea against the genuine pace in the first two ODIs, the only realistic vacancy in the playing XI is No 4. Among those in contention, Sanju Samson is easily the better No. 4.
In the limited opportunity Sanju Samson has got, the right-handed batsman has scored 330 runs in 11 matches with a healthy average of 66.00.
“We have to see if the management sticks with Suryakumar Yadav in the third ODI; otherwise, it’s not a bad option to give Sanju Samson a chance because he has played well when given the opportunity and he is a good player,” Jaffer said.
Jaffer also criticised Suryakumar Yadav for not anticipating Mitchell Starc’s strength.
“We might sympathize with Suryakumar Yadav as the first ball that he faced was of 145 clicks. No doubt that it’s challenging when a left-arm seamer tries to bring the ball back in,” said Jaffer.
“Again, he should have anticipated that when Mitchell Starc bowls, he will attack the stumps and might swing the ball,” added Jaffer.
India will be playing their final match of the series on 22 March in Chennai.
