WI vs IND: Suryakumar Yadav dons Sanju Samson’s jersey in first ODI

Despite being one of the most consistent performers of white-ball cricket in the domestic arena, Sanju Samson has not been given too many opportunities in the national team. In the absence of KL Rahul, it was believed that the cricketer will be batting at No. 5 in the first ODI against West Indies, but the team management decided to back Ishan Kishan at No. 4, with Samson sitting out.

While it may not have been taken well by Samson's fan, Suryakumar Yadav’s priceless gesture won the heart of his supporters. Previously, when the Indian team travelled to Kerala, the Mumbai-born cricketer was spotted cheering for Samson with the crowd and against West Indies, Yadav donned his jersey.

Surya wearing the Jersey of Sanju Samson. pic.twitter.com/xTUTwrmyhk

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 27, 2023

Meanwhile, Samson’s role in the national team is a matter of discussion. Ishan Kishan, who hit a terrific double century against Bangladesh towards the fag end of 2022, deserves a spot in the playing XI but the cricketer has batted at No. 3 or 4 position since then, while Samson has been in and out due to his incosistency. The cricketer remains in the race to make it to India’s squad for the ODI World Cup but with a lack of opportunities, he may fail to make it to the 15-member squad.

Meanwhile, pacer Mukesh Kumar made his 50-over debut in the first ODI against West Indies. He was excellent on his Test debut and the management picked him ahead of the experienced Jaydev Unadkat in the first ODI. Umran Malik too is part of the playing XI and twill be eager to prove a point and make it to the World Cup squad.

In the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, a lot of former cricketers criticised the selectors for not picking Umran for the tournament and hence, the team management has kept him in the scheme of things. However, with the return of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, it might get difficult for the young pacer to secure a place in the team. Nevertheless, the position of the fourth seamer is still empty and the pacer who does well in the remaining time is expected to finalise his ticket.