Sanju Samson’s inclusion in the Asia Cup 15-member squad came as a surprise, and now fitting him in the playing XI seems like a real issue. In all likelihood, the vice-captain Shubman Gill will open the innings, and it will be Jitesh Sharma, who could be the preferred choice of keeper-batter for his finishing skills. If Sanju has to be considered, it would be at No. 5, or No.6 at most, otherwise, there is no space for him.
Sanju Samson vs Jitesh Sharma
But Sunil Gavaskar is of the opinion that if picked in the squad, Sanju Samson is a must-have in XI. And not just that, he should even get an opportunity at no. 3 to bat, after Abhishek Sharma and Gill. “If you take somebody like Sanju Samson in the core team, then you can’t leave him out in the reserves,” Gavaskar said.
Sunil Gavaskar Says..
For him, it is a good problem to have. “Yes, I think it’s a very good headache to have for any selection committee that you have two capable batters and somebody like Sanju Samson who can maybe even bat at three and if needed come down at six as a finisher. And Jitesh has also done well in the recently concluded IPL where he’s played exceedingly well. So yes, I think it’s a pleasant headache for the tour selection committee,” he added.
He went on to say that form in the first few matches will also decide as to which way the team management goes. And initially the Kerala player will get the nod. “But my feeling is that maybe Samson will probably get the nod ahead of Jitesh for at least the first couple of games. And then depending on what his form is for the rest of the tournament. But this is what I think will happen.”
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Will Gambhir try Rishabh Pant or Nitish Reddy in IND vs SA 3rd ODI with series on the line?
Top Stories
