A controversy has erupted as soon as the India ODI squad for the Australia tour was announced. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has questioned the selectors for excluding Sanju Samson from the squad and giving Dhruv Jurel a chance.
Kaif says Samson is a much better middle-order batsman than Jurel.
Kaif’s Anger: Why was Samson dropped?
Mohammad Kaif openly expressed his displeasure.
He said, “It was a wrong decision to leave Sanju Samson out because Sanju usually plays lower down the order, around number 5 or 6, and for that position, he is a much better option than Jurel.”
Kaif believes that Samson’s ability to hit sixes and his experience on Australian pitches makes him a better option than Jurel, especially at number 5 or 6, where quick runs are required.
Kaif also said that Samson has shown many times in the past that he can play big shots against spin bowlers.
Samson’s strengths could have been especially useful against bowlers like Adam Zampa in Australia.
Kaif said, “If he had gone to Australia, he would have hit sixes off Adam Zampa’s balls. He is among the top 10 hitters in the IPL.”
Praise for Jurel, but questions selection
However, Kaif also praised Dhruv Jurel.
He said, “When Dhruv Jurel hit the century (against West Indies), he really gave a great performance. He looked very balanced and composed, and he is definitely the future of Indian cricket.”
But he also said that it is wrong to ignore a consistently good player like Samson based solely on his recent form.
Jurale has been included in the 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series starting in Perth on October 19. Meanwhile, KL Rahul is expected to keep wickets in the ODIs.
Samson has been selected for the T20 series, which begins later this month. Kaif warned that it’s not right to make selections based solely on current form.
He said, “Right now, we tend to focus only on current form, like how well Jurel played recently, and in doing so, we forget players like Sanju who have been performing consistently and are deserving.”
Samson’s fans are also upset with this selection and are venting their anger on social media.
