The selection muddle continues for Indian Cricket Team. The IND vs WI 3rd ODI is essentially Rahul Dravid’s final shot at testing his combinations before Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee names the World Cup 2023 squad. Among all the contenders, the Suryakumar Yadav vs Sanju Samson battle is of key focus, with Rohit and Co facing some uncertainty as far as injuries are concerned.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are Indian Cricket Team’s first-choice middle-order options for the World Cup 2023. However, as fate would have it, both are currently at the NCA, rehabilitating from their respective long-term injuries. Both batsmen recently underwent surgery and while they have resumed batting, there remains uncertainty around their return.
Also Read: WC squad all but decided, SKY aces Samson as Agarkar offers IND vs IRE hint
In their absence, the team management has put their faith in Suryakumar Yadav. One of the finest T20I players ever, Surya has failed to convert that form into the 50-over format. SKY averages a meagre 13.60 in ODIs in the last 12 months. Samson in comparison averages a 73.66 in the games played since last year.
Performances over last 12 months
However, Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma have pencilled a role for SKY in the team. The India head coach is aware of Surya’s record and has backed him to do well in the upcoming games.
“Suryakumar Yadav is a really good player, there is no doubt about it, his performance has shown that. Unfortunately, I think he would also be the first one to admit that his ODI have not been up to his own high-standards that he has set in T20s. He is also learning one-day cricket. He is a good player, and we want to give him as many opportunities as we can and then it is up to him to take those opportunities,” Dravid said after the IND vs WI 2nd ODI.
Samson for his part failed to make the most of a rare opportunity in the 2nd ODI. As has been the trend, whether he makes the Playing XI for the final ODI is anyone’s guess. However, should he play, it provides him yet another chance to showcase his mettle. It was in the Caribbean that Samson rebuilt his international career last year. 12 months later, circumstances have it that he could push for a World Cup 2023 berth.
Given the permutations and combinations, it is unlikely both Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson make the WC squad. KL Rahul is nearing a return and Ishan Kishan has all but sealed his place in the team. That leaves a chance for SKY vs Sanju shootout, a decision that could be made after the IND vs WI 3rd ODI.
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