Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that all hope’s not lost for Sanju Samson in the run up to the ODI World Cup 2023. Samson, who was snubbed in the 15-member squad has been away from cricket and is vacationing in the United Arab Emirates.
Manjrekar, while speaking on Star Sports during the India vs Pakistan match in Asia Cup said that Shreyas Iyer’s back injury once again puts focus back on Samson. Iyer was ruled out of the Super 4 clash vs Pakistan due to a back spasm. India decided to bring in KL Rahul in the team.
“Sanju Samson will be there in the periphery. But looking at how things have gone, if you’re looking for a batter to replace Shreyas Iyer,” Manjrekar said while speaking on Star Sports.
Several India players have been injured in 2023. Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have all gone under the knife this year. Asked about injuries to India team, Manjrekar said that it was a complex issue and suspected that Indian players were not getting proper rest between high-intensity tournaments.
“Very complex issue and I must say that you know how it’s evolved, the concept of fitness and the work that goes into, I don’t consider myself an export of that, but optimum cricket is the way to play it for longevity. So one of the things you know, players of the past, fast bowlers would do was to play county cricket,” Manjrekar said on injuries to Indian players.
“The most important thing between the tours is matches, there is no need for any fancy treatment to be done if your body gets enough rest. The T20 cricket is a short format but an explosive format due to running, fielding and you can see that KL Rahul’s injury also happened because of that,” Manjrekar concluded on the matter.
