Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer thinks that the Men in Blue should pick Sanju Samson over Rishabh Pant for the wicketkeeper-batter’s role in T20Is.
Jaffer highlighted how Pant has conflicted for form in the smallest format in his recent excursion. He also stated how the ploy to advance the southpaw to the opening spot didn’t yield confident results in the T20I series against New Zealand.
The 44-year-old believed that while there is still doubt over Samson’s place in the ODI team, he earns to be given consistent opportunities in T20Is, given his recent form. Jaffer made these observations during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo on Sunday, November 27. He said:
“I feel that in T20 cricket, it is important to give Samson the preference. With Rishabh Pant, we have seen that he has been inconsistent while batting in the middle order. India tried him as an opener, but couldn’t get the desired results.”
He added:
“I believe that Samson should be given a prolonged run in T20 cricket at the very least. In ODIs, the team management is forced to drop him in order to accommodate an all-rounder.”
Sanju Samson helping the ground staff during the rain break. pic.twitter.com/S0jclxNuSH
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 27, 2022
Especially, Samson didn’t quality in a single match in the 3-match T20I series in New Zealand. Although the right-handed batter was a part of the playing XI for the ODI series opener, he had to clear a path for Deepak Hooda in the succeeding fixture despite his crucial 36-run knock.
“Pant should absolutely be the first choice in ODIs” – Wasim Jaffer
Wasim Jaffer thinks that the team management should keep backing Rishabh Pant in 50-over cricket, stating that the performer has been very outstanding in the particular format.
The cricketer-turned-coach thinks that Pant should be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in OneDay International cricket. He explained:
“Rishabh Pant’s form in ODIs has been very good. He has been averaging close to 50 in the format lately. This was why the team management backed him over Sanju Samson. I believe that Pant should definitely be the first choice in ODIs.”
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Pant has been unsuccessful to make a significant effect with the bat so far in the New Zealand tour. The 25-year-old managed to mark just 17 runs from 2 T20Is at an unexceptional strike rate of 94.44. He suffered yet another breakdown in the ODI series opener, being dismissed for 15 off 23 balls.