Harbhajan Singh speaks up on Sanju Samson’s ODI World CUP 2023 exclusion

Team India has locked horns with Australia for the last and final preparation ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023. Notably, the squad for the Australia series as well as the ODI World Cup squad sidelines India’s star batter Sanju Samson despite his impressive performances in 50-over format. Following the same, former India cricketer turned analyst Harbhajan Singh has explained the reason for his notable absence from the squad.

The well-renowed cricket commentator admitted that the question would definitely be raised about the notable absence of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper from the squad. However, the former off-spinner feels that the squad already has the presence of two wicketkeeper batters, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan. The 43-year-old also says that Ishan Kishan has had a fabulous season in the Asia Cup 2023 owing to his great knocks against Pakistan in the group stage.

“If you average 55 in ODIs and you are not part of the squad, then of course the questions will be raised. He played really well in the West Indies recently. Sanju wasn’t selected because India already have two wicketkeepers in their World Cup squad – KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan. Ishan also scored decent runs in the West Indies. Ishan also played a really brilliant knock against Pakistan (in the Asia Cup),” Harbhajan Singh said being quoted by TOI.

Sanju Samson will have to wait for his time and turn: Harbhajan Singh

Meanwhile, the 2011 World Cup-winning star feels the squad can’t have three wicketkeepers. The former spinner feels the right-handed batter has to wait some more to get a place in the squad. In addition, the right-arm off spinner feels that KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan are set batters and have cemented their place in the squad, and it is hard to replace them.

“You can’t have three wicketkeeper-batters in a team. If there will be then it will be difficult to field all of them in the XI. He will have to wait for his time and turn. Ishan Kishan is set. He has cemented his place. KL Rahul too has cemented his place. KL is a class player. Sanju has to wait,” he added further.