Sanju Samson, a cricketer blessed with immense talent and a natural flair for batting, has often found himself on the fringes of the Indian cricket team. Despite his impressive performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), Samson has struggled to cement his place in the national squad. The Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter has displayed glimpses of brilliance, showcasing his ability to play match-winning knocks. However, the lack of consistent opportunities and frequent exclusions from the team have prevented him from establishing himself as a regular feature in the Indian lineup.

No place in India’s ODI squad for Sri Lanka tour

In the recently announced squad for India’s ODI series against Sri Lanka, Samson’s name was notably absent. While he has been named in the T20I squad for the same tour, the exclusion from the ODI lineup has raised eyebrows among fans and cricket pundits. Samson, who boasts a healthy ODI average of 56.66 from 16 matches with 510 runs, has been overlooked in favor of other options. This decision has sparked debates about the criteria used for selection and the potential reasons behind his omission.

Three reasons why Samson hasn’t been named for Sri Lanka ODIs

1. Struggles on spin-friendly tracks and poor record against Wanindu Hasaranga

One of the significant factors influencing Samson’s exclusion is his struggles on spin-friendly tracks. The Sri Lankan pitches are known for assisting spinners, and Samson’s record against quality spin bowling has not been convincing. In particular, his poor record against Sri Lanka’s ace spinner Wanindu Hasaranga stands out. Samson has been dismissed by Hasaranga six times in T20Is, highlighting his vulnerability against top-class spin bowling. This weakness might have played a crucial role in the selectors’ decision to omit him from the ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour.

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2. KL Rahul’s experience in ODIs

Another reason for Samson’s exclusion is the presence of KL Rahul, who brings more experience to the ODI format. Rahul has a proven track record in ODIs, with an average of 50.35 from 75 matches, accumulating 2820 runs. In comparison, Samson, despite his impressive average, has played only 16 ODIs. The selectors might have favored Rahul’s extensive experience and consistency over Samson’s relatively limited exposure in the 50-over format. Rahul’s ability to anchor the innings and adapt to different match situations provides the team with a sense of reliability that the selectors might have prioritized.

3. Rishabh Pant considered as an X-factor by the team management

Rishabh Pant, another wicketkeeper-batter, is often viewed as an X-factor by the team management. Pant’s dynamic batting style and ability to change the course of a game in a matter of overs make him a valuable asset in the ODI squad. The team management’s preference for Pant’s explosive and unconventional approach could have contributed to Samson’s exclusion. Pant’s match-winning capabilities and his performances in international cricket have solidified his place in the team, leaving limited room for another wicketkeeper-batter like Samson.

Samson’s exclusion from India’s ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour is a topic of much discussion and debate. His fans and supporters will hope that he continues to perform well in the opportunities he gets and eventually secures a consistent place in the Indian cricket team.

Also READ: Former India pacer takes a dig at selectors for picking Shivam Dube over Sanju Samson in the ODIs on Sri Lanka tour