Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his opinion on the selection of players in the Indian Squad for the Upcoming World Cup 2023, The 36 years old said Sanju Samson is in good form and has performed wherever he has been given the chance, He continued to say that the Opening position is fixed for Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma and Virat is fixed at 3 and Shreyas and KL are also absolute certainties for 4th position if they are fit. Sanju will need to play at 5 and also as a backup Wicket-Keeper.
Ashwin on his Official Youtube:
“The other player who got a chance was Sanju Samson. He scored a fifty in the ODI series. In the T20I match, he scored 12 off 12. He got a role in the middle order. When it comes to IPL, he bats at number three or four largely. Mind you, he has got a very good record in ODIs. A very good average and he scored a 50 in the third ODI as well. And he took down spin as soon as he came in, and that’s his speciality.” Ashwin said
“When it comes to Team India, the number 3 and 4 slot is not open. Given Sanju’s ability and talent, we know he can change the course of the game at any point. He is a very good guy and we all want good for him. But the role we expect from Sanju when it comes to Team India is different. There is no space for him in the Top 4.”
“ Whether there will be a spot for him after the World Cup or after one or two years after the World Cup, we will have to wait and watch. Because Virat at 3 is a fix. Rohit and Gill are also fixed as openers. Shreyas and KL are also absolute certainties when they are fit. We need a keeper-batter alone as a backup. So, if one of KL or Shreyas is not available they need a backup at 4 or 5. But Sanju is not doing that role in IPL. He is starting to do that role only in ODIs and he has scored a 50 in that role now. That’s good news for him and Team India. I feel Sanju Samson will be ahead in the contingency plan as far as the ODI World Cup is concerned and Tilak Varma is almost there.” He added