Shikhar Dhawan reveals reason behind benching Sanju Samson in second ODI against New Zealand
After losing the first ODI against New Zealand, India were determined to make a strong comeback in the second ODI of the three-match series on Sunday at Seddon Park. Learning from their mistake in the first ODI, captain Shikhar Dhawan decided to go with a sixth bowling option in the team hence Deepak Hooda was brought into the eleven in place of Sanju Samson. After the second ODI was abandoned due to rain, Dhawan revealed that benching Samson was a tactical move.
“We wanted the sixth bowler to come in, so Sanju Samson missed out and Hooda came in. And Chahar was picked because he can swing the ball really well. A few of our guys are resting but this side is still strong, shows the depth of our squad,” Dhawan said.
Dhawan also showered massive praise on his opening partner Shubman Gill who was denied a fifty due to rain interruption.
“It was good to bat on and to see Shubman perform this way was very encouraging. This is a good opportunity for the guys travelling so far, to see the way Shubman has batted and Umran’s bowling, glad to see that transition. As a team, we want to get our processes right and put on a good performance in Christchurch. Hopefully, we can win and enjoy ourselves,” he concluded.
Will Sanju Samson get a place in the third ODI?
However, the fans were unhappy with the team management for once again benching the Kerala batter. Samson was included in the T20I squad as well but didn’t get the opportunity to play. The 28-year-old finally got the opportunity in the first ODI and made a vital contribution of 36 from 38 balls as India finished their innings with 306/7. However, they failed to defend the target as Tom Latham played a scintillating knock of 145 off 104 balls.
Captain Shikhar Dhawan was left searching for answers as Indian bowlers failed to stop the run-flow. India lacked a sixth bowling option after all five main bowlers were put under pressure. India will now look to level the series in the third ODI on November 13 in Christchurch.
Related Posts
