Indian Commentator Aakash Chopra doesn’t think Sanju Samson can find a place in India’s ODI World Cup team if KL Rahul is fit and available. KL Rahul is currently recovering from thigh surgery, and there is no official update on his availability for the upcoming Asia Cup and subsequent World Cup. While Ishan Kishan featured in all three matches of the recently concluded ODI series against West Indies, Samson got two matches to showcase his skills.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked whether Samson would be able to secure his place in the Indian team or whether his career would end like Ambati Rayudu, to which he replied:
“At this point in time, if KL Rahul becomes available, I don’t see him (Samson) in the World Cup team. I don’t think he will be seen in the Asia Cup team as well.”
Cricketer-turned-commentator believes that Sanju Samson’s place in India’s Asia Cup and World Cup team entirely depends on KL Rahul’s availability.
Chopra Said:
“However, if KL Rahul is not there, you might even see him playing in the Asia Cup and you will definitely see him in the team, and probably even for the World Cup. It all depends on KL Rahul’s availability.”
Ishan Kishan, who made a half-century in each of the three ODIs against the West Indies, could be ahead of Sanju Samson for the wicketkeeper-batsman’s position. The Kerala lad scored a half-century in the final ODI but failed to contribute significantly in his other three hits on the tour.
“It Is Not that He Is 32-34 Years of Age” – Aakash Chopra Says Age Is On Sanju Samson’s Side
However, Aakash Chopra pointed out that there is still a lot of cricket left in Sanju Samson. they saw
It is not that he is 32-34 years of age. Sanju is just 28, so there is no tension. You can’t talk about the end for a 28 or 29-year-old boy. You have the 2024 T20 World Cup and there is a lot of cricket after that.
The reputed commentator believes that the Rajasthan Royals captain can make a comeback even if he is not selected for the World Cup later this year. He said:
“So it is not that he doesn’t have time or there is no place. Never say never for Sanju Samson or anybody who is just 28. It doesn’t happen like that.”
Sanju Samson has scored 390 runs in 12 ODI innings at an excellent average of 55.71 and a strike rate of 104.00. However, if both KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan are fit and available, their inclusion in India’s World Cup squad could be difficult.
