The timing could not have been better for Sanju Samson. The Indian star was playing for Kerala in the fifth round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy and produced a commanding century against Jharkhand. This innings would put him back on the radar of the selectors for the ODIs, just ahead of the team selections for the New Zealand ODI tour.
The Indian team has been considering replacing the backup wicket-keeper in the Indian team. Rishabh Pant has been playing in the role for a long time, but has not played in a single game, and hence, the selectors are eyeing someone who can also have an alternative role other than replacing Rahul in the Indian XI.
The change is likely to be made from the upcoming series against New Zealand, which starts on the 11th of January, and the squad is most likely to be announced anytime by this week.
Sanju Samson issues ultimatum for Ajit Agarkar with VHT hundred
During a record chase of 312 runs against Jharkhand, Kerala have managed to chase the target with ease, with 8 wickets remaining in their innings. The Indian wicket-keeper opened the innings for Kerala alongside the skipper, Rohan Kunnummal.
The two openers gave Kerala a stunning start in the match with a stunning 212-run opening stand, with Kunnummal playing the destructive role in the team, as he scored his 124 runs off just 78 balls, with 8 fours and 11 sixes.
Sanju Samson assured their control in the innings and managed to show his intent, alongside adding stability to the innings, as the knock he played would force the selectors to notice him on the eve of the squad selection. Sanju Samson managed to score 101 runs off just 95 balls, with 9 fours and 3 sixes.
Sanju Samson’s century comes after a quiet outing for Ishan Kishan
Sanju Samson’s century has come at a time when the most likely candidate to replace Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, had a quieter outing with his state team, Jharkhand. Kishan has been in some stellar form since the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which he continued into the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Kishan recently forced his way back into the ICC T20 World Cup squad for India; however, in the same match where Samson scored his century, Kishan was dismissed for 21 runs off just 21 balls. Kishan has amassed 933 runs in 27 ODI matches at an average of 42.41 and a strike rate of 102. He also has a double century for India in ODI cricket.
He is in the mix to replace Rishabh Pant as the backup wicket-keeper alongside KL Rahul in the side. Rahul has turned out to be an irreplaceable gloveman in the Indian ODI side.
Rishabh Pant reminds all of his white-ball value with his Vijay Hazare Trophy form
Rishabh Pant, the left-handed wicket-keeper batsman, has not played a single ODI game for India since the last ODI against Sri Lanka in 2024. Yet he has been part of all ODI series for India as a backup option and also won the Champions Trophy alongside the Indian team, despite not featuring in a single game.
Rishabh Pant has been captaining Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His first half-century came in the second game of the tournament while chasing a total, and then recently he backed it with another 72 off just 45 balls against Services.
Pant has also played in 31 ODI matches for the Indian team and has managed to score 871 runs with a strike rate of 106 and an average of 33.5. With KL Rahul as the main wicket-keeper and a very fine batter for India in ODIs, Kishan, Dhruv Jurel, and now Sanju Samson’s return to form have added wings to the Indian side.
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