VK SANJU
Sanju Samson’s finding a place in the ODI squad for the West Indies tour could potentially be the last chance to prove his ability and make the best of it. With even Twenty20 performances now being considered in selection of the Test team, it was fortunate for Sanju, with no notable performance during the last IPL season, to get the call-up. Unfortunately, Sanju has not been able to capitalize on the opportunities he has had so far.
Owing to injuries, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have been ruled out, leaving a huge void in the middle order. Though Ishan Kishan is in the squad as a wicket-keeper, Sanju has the chance to find a place in the playing XI as a specialist batter. Considering Suryakumar Yadav's limitations in one-day cricket, an above average performance from Sanju could potentially earn him a place in the Asia Cup squad, increasing his chances to be in the World Cup squad.
Though Ishan Kishan is generally considered a top order batter, Sanju has the advantage to excel in the middle overs as well. This is crucial as India now lacks firepower and proficiency in the middle and lower middle orders.
While Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli have sealed the first three batting slots, it is uncertainty that follows. Kishan, as a backup opener, will have to compete with Rituraj Gaikwad, already in excellent form. Kishan’s performance at the last IPL season fell short of Sanju’s showing.
India are scheduled to play three ODIs against West Indies. Suryakumar and Sanju are the only recognized middle-order batters. The 17-member sqaud is stuffed with 10 bowlers including all-rounders Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur. With the backing of the team management, this could be a golden opportunity for Sanju. Suryakumar can be expected to get the number four slot and Sanju the number five. But this could get upset if Kishan’s slot is altered and Gaikwad gets the No. 3 slot ahead of Kohli.
Sanju has so far played 11 ODIs for India, scored 330 runs, including two half-centuries, and an impressive batting average of 66. Though he began this IPL season with a half-century, he struggled to maintain consistency. The Rajasthan Royals captain, who scored 360 runs in 13 matches, could not even lead the team to the play-offs.
If Sanju fails to make the best of this opportunity, his chances of sealing a spot will diminish, especially with the return of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. The competition is getting fiercer. Youngsters like Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma, who showcased their skill as finishers in the IPL, are also waiting for a call-up.
The ODI squad:
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat and Mohammed Siraj.
Possible Playing XI
Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Jaydev Unadkat, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal.
