Irfan Pathan emphasizes the need to provide regular opportunities to Sanju Samson in ODIs

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After enduring a spell on the sidelines, talented wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has received a well-deserved call-up to the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming series against West Indies. Samson, who has struggled to secure a regular spot in the national white-ball team, faced criticism and disappointment after being dropped from the Bangladesh series. However, a successful outing in the 2023 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has paved the way for his comeback.

Samson’s intermittent appearances for the Indian team have raised eyebrows and triggered a wave of social media discussions, with fans expressing their dissatisfaction and questioning the selection committee’s decisions. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old cricketer’s recent performances in the IPL have reignited hopes and optimism regarding his potential impact in the national setup.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the need to provide Samson with regular opportunities in the ODI squad, particularly with Rishabh Pant’s injury sidelining him. Pathan applauded Samson’s prowess as a fantastic player against spin and expressed his belief in the Kerala batter’s ability to make valuable contributions to the Indian team in the future.

“Given Pant’s ongoing recovery, it’s time to give Sanju Samson an extended opportunity in one day cricket. With his skills as a proficient middle-order wicketkeeper-batsman and excellent spin-playing abilities, he could prove to be a valuable addition,” tweeted Pathan.

Given Pant's ongoing recovery, it's time to give Sanju Samson an extended opportunity in one day cricket. With his skills as a proficient middle-order wicketkeeper-batsman and excellent spin-playing abilities, he could prove to be a valuable addition. #INDvWI

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 23, 2023

So far, Samson has represented Team India in 11 ODIs, where he has scored 330 runs at an average of 66 and a strike rate of 104.76. The right-handed batter has two half-centuries to his name in the 50-over format with 86 being his best score.

India’s ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.

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