Former Indian cricketer WV Raman said that Sanju Samson deserves a place in the national ODI team after the recent T20 World Cup 2026 victory. There have been discussions regarding the 50-over format, with the team management currently preparing for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir had recently said that India has lost two consecutive bilateral ODI series. While the T20 team looks settled, the 50-over results clearly need improvement. Players like Samson and Ishan Kishan, who performed exceptionally during the tournament, could figure in the plans.
WV Raman backs Sanju Samson for success in ODI
While talking to Times of India, WV Raman said that Sanju Samson can convert his T20I form into 50 over format. The wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 510 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.66 and a strike rate of 99.60, which includes three half-centuries and one century.
“He is a brilliant player and whatever issues he had with his temperament, he has sorted them out. I am confident that Sanju has the game to be successful in ODIs,” Raman told TOI.
Raman said that in-form players should always be included in the playing eleven. He said the team leadership group needs to adjust the batting order and figure out a way to utilize the available talent effectively.
Raman said, “It is the job of the team management to find a place for Sanju. For me Sanju is good enough for ODIs.”
Selectors should think like this – Devang Gandhi on Sanju Samson’s return
Devang Gandhi said that the lack of vacancies at the top of the order could impact Sanju Samson’s comeback. Former national selector Devang Gandhi said that Yashasvi Jaiswal is also waiting for his chance, adding that Samson should make a comeback in the domestic tournament and score runs.
“Next in line is Jaiswal and if a slot opens up, how can you let someone go ahead of him? I have nothing against Samson, but let him score runs in domestic ODI cricket and then try to make a comeback in ODIs. That’s how the selectors should think,” Gandhi said.
What did Rishabh Pant do wrong that he was dropped? – Devang Gandhi
Ishan Kishan can easily bat in the top three or lower order. This left-handed batsman has a double century in his name in this format. He can serve as the backup wicketkeeper to KL Rahul, but Gandhi said that Rishabh Pant cannot be left out of the ODI setup.
Gandhi said, “But then, there is Rishabh Pant. What wrong has Pant done to be left out of the ODI set-up? These are very talented young players we are talking about and they should be handled carefully.”
“Don’t forget, there are hardly any close-in fielders in T20. The aim of every bowler is control. This is not always the case in ODIs,” the former India opener said.
The upcoming IPL season will impact the selection meetings. Sanju Samson will open the batting for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), while Ishan Kishan will bat at number three for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
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