‘Sanju should play’ – Former Indian opener backs Sanju Samson to play in the first New Zealand vs India ODI on Friday
During New Zealand vs India T20I series, the most talked about player after Suryakumar Yadav was the wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson who failed to find a place in the side. With the ODI series beginning tomorrow, fans are hoping to finally see him get included in the eleven. Ahead of the first ODI, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has backed the wicketkeeper-batter to find a place in the playing XI.
India will meet the Kane Williamson-led side in the 1st ODI at Eden Park starting at 7:00 AM (IST). Sharing his views ahead of the series opener between India and New Zealand on his YouTube channel, Chopra opined that the visitors must include Samson in their playing XI. Interestingly, the former Indian cricketer included both wicketkeepers Rishabh Pant and Samson in his predicted playing XI for the series opener at Eden Park.
“Rishabh Pant is the vice-captain but where will he play if he plays? He should play, he is the vice-captain. Shreyas Iyer – whatever he might not do in T20s, whatever issues he might have against bouncers, the guy’s numbers in ODIs are extremely good. His first ODI century also came in New Zealand at Hamilton. So, he will play,” Chopra said.
Rooting for Samson’s inclusion in the Indian playing XI, Chopra mentioned the batting heroics of the star batter in the South Africa series. Samson had played a scintillating knock of 86 off 63 balls in the 1st ODI against South Africa last month. Samson ended up smashing 118 runs in the 3-match ODI series against the Proteas.
Sanju should play : Aakash Chopra
“You see Shubman Gill opening alongside Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant doesn’t open in this team. He plays at a different number. He was not playing in the last series. (Poori Shrinkhla mein out he nahi huey they. Aisa lagta hai apun hi bhagwan hai – aise waali batting). Sanju was playing there and did an amazing job. In fact, he didn’t get out in the entire series. His numbers are phenomenal, so Sanju should play,” he added.
India will be led by Shikhar Dhawan in the three-match series starting tomorrow.
