India vs West Indies T20Is: 3 reasons why Sanju Samson might not get a chance in upcoming series
Sanju Samson made his much-awaited return in the national team for the Bangladesh T20Is last month. The 25-year-old, who earned his maiden call-up back in 2014, did not get to play even a single T20I in the series. With India retaining a strong squad for West Indies T20Is, Samson was dropped. It did disappoint many but selectors had no choice.
An injury to Shikhar Dhawan saw Samson make his return but will he get a place in the playing XI? India have a backup ready for Dhawan and Samson’s wait to add another international cap to his tally is likely to extend. Here are some of the reasons why Samson might not get a chance in the playing XI against West Indies:
Kohli’s absence from the T20I squad was the reason why selectors went for Samson and when he returned, they were forced to drop the youngster. Kohli was the only regular player to be rested for Bangladesh T20Is. In his absence, KL Rahul batted at number three in the series and now when Dhawan is absent from the squad, in all likelihood, Rahul might move up to open the innings with vice-captain Rohit Sharma. (Also Read: MS Dhoni’s return possible if Rishabh Pant & Sanju Samson fail to grab their opportunities, feels VVS Laxman)
Kohli will bat at number three while Shreyas Iyer has been entrusted with number four job after World Cup 2019. Samson might only get a chance if India rest either of the openers, which is likely to happen if Men in Blue win the first two T20Is.
Even if the team management decides to slot Samson in the middle-order, the presence of Manish Pandey will keep him out. Pandey is ahead of Samson in the pecking order and will get the nod if there’s a place in the middle-order. The comeback of Ravindra Jadeja gives India an extra batting option and Pandey is also not a confirmed selection in the playing XI.
Pandey recently led Karnataka to title triumphs in Vijay Hazare Trophy as well as Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and there is no way that the team management will keep him out for Samson.
The upcoming series against West Indies could be a make or break series for Rishabh. In order to give him one more chance to prove his mettle, the selectors might include him in all six matches of the upcoming series, which rules Samson out of contention.
Samson’s presence will keep Rishabh on his toes during the T20Is. With India set to play three T20Is against Sri Lanka early in January, Samson might replace Rishabh as wicketkeeper if the latter fails to do well against West Indies. But till then, Rishabh will continue to get the backing, which means there is no slot available for Samson in the playing XI for now.
