The Control Board for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Australia, marked the much -awaited return of veteran Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who represented India during the Champions Trophy earlier this year. While the announcement brought enthusiasm for fans, an important development attracted attention: Sanju Samson has been removed from India’s ODI squad.
Why was Sanju Samson dropped?
Sanju Samson, talented wicketkeeper-batter of Kerala, has been one of India’s most promising limited overs. In 16 ODI shows, Samson has scored an average of 56.66 runs with a strike rate of 99.60, including a century and three fifties. His last outing in the 50-over format came against South Africa in 2023, where he scored 108 runs by scoring 108 runs in 114 balls, which India helped the series 2–1 series.
Despite these impressive figures, Samson is released out of the ODI squad in favor of a young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurlel, which was affected in the test format, scoring a brilliant century against the West Indies in the first Test. Rishabh Pant was sidelined due to injury, many people hoped that Samson would be ventured as the second wicketkeeper for Odis. However, the selection panel led by Chief Selector Ajit Aggarkar opted to give Juraral an opportunity in the 50 -over format.
Former selectors and players support Srikanth Sanju
Former India captain Krishnamkhari Srikanth expressed his disappointment with the decision on his YouTube channel:
“Again, very inappropriate. Sanju should have been there, given that he scored a century in his last ODI. Therefore, every day, the reason for the change for each person is shifting. One day you bat at 5, then you open it another day.
India’s ODI against Australia:
The Indian ODI squad for the series is led by Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer serving as the vice-captain. The squad includes a mixture of experienced campaigners and emerging talent:
OD Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sunda, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Siruva Yashsvi Jaiswal
This decision reflects the intentions of the selectors to strengthen depth in India’s limited over squad, giving young players like Jurall a chance to showcase their skills at the international level.
Sanju Samson retains his T20 spot
Although Samson has been removed from the ODI squad, he retains his place in the T20I squad. During the Asia Cup, Samson was asked to bat in mid -order, while Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma opened.
He made significant contribution, including a significant 50 -run partnership with Tilak Verma in the final against Pakistan, when India slipped to 20 to 20.
Samson ended as India’s third largest run-scorer in the tournament, scoring an average of 33 to 132 runs. His performance in the T20 format showed his ability to anchor the innings under pressure, strengthening his place in India’s smallest-formation plans.