‘He should have been a reserve player’ -Former Pakistani cricketer slams Indian Cricket Board for picking KL Rahul over Sanju Samson for Asia Cup 2023

The Indian Cricket Board’s newly appointed chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, unveiled the Asia Cup squad on August 21. Moreover, as soon as the roster was out, a plethora of experts and former cricketers started giving their suggestions. Notably, former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria is one of them.

The leg spinner feels that Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson should have been included in the main squad, whereas LSG skipper KL Rahul should be a backup player. Notably, the Karachi-born cricketer says that despite performing poorly in the Test as well as in the IPL, the former India vice captain got a place in the squad, which is unfair. Moreover, the great bowler affirms that the 30-year-old cricketer has a big name, and this is the reason he didn’t get dropped from the team.

If India gave KL Rahul chance, Sanju Samson should also have been: Danish Kaneria

“KL Rahul didn’t perform in Test cricket. He then failed to score in the IPL as well. He was injured and got an entry into the team once again when he recovered. This is unfair. If India gave KL Rahul another chance, Sanju Samson should also have been in the squad. Rahul should have been a reserve player. However, maybe he has become such a big name that they can’t drop him,” Dinesh Kaneria said being quoted by Hindustan Times.

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old cricketer also added that Sanju Samson will need to carry the drinks for the team. Moreover, the Karachi-born batter also slammed Sanju Samson for his poor performances in the recent West Indies series. Furthermore, the former spinner says one needs to perform consistently if one wants to be retained in the squad.

“Sanju Samson will once again have to carry drinks. While many would say he has been treated unfairly, I disagree with that. He was given enough chances, which he needed to grab them with both hands. You have to perform if you want to be retained in the team,”