Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson yet again made his comeback for India as he was included in the XI for the first ODI against South Africa. Samson, who has often been left out of the main side, was named for India’s tour of South Africa in the ODI squad. Samson last played for the Men in Blue against West Indies on August 1, 2023.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat in the 1st ODI at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. India’s XI comprises of youngsters like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Verma, Mukesh Kumar and more. For South Africa, Nandre Burger made his ODI debut.
Sanju Samson’s journey to another comeback
Sanju Samson’s last on-field appearance was donning the Kerala jersey in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023, where he contributed to his team’s campaign. Now, with the national colors beckoning, the batsman is gearing up for a crucial series, eyeing not just personal redemption but also setting the stage for the T20 World Cup in 2024.
Regrettably for Sanju Samson, his performance hasn’t reached its peak in the domestic 50-over competition. Despite being Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023 top scorer with 293 runs, he didn’t secure a spot among the top 20 run-scorers in the tournament. Despite notching up a century and a fifty in eight innings, his average remained below 50.
IND vs SA 1st ODI playing XI
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Tabraiz Shamsi
India: KL Rahul(w/c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar
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