In the Cricket fraternity, anticipation and excitement reached new heights when India’s 17-man squad for the Asia Cup 2023 was unveiled. Among the names listed was that of the talented 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, Sanju Samson. His inclusion stirred discussions and raised eyebrows among fans and cricketing experts alike, prompting many to speculate about his role in the tournament. However, Sanju Samson’s Asia Cup 2023 stint has now come to an end with the wicket-keeper batter returning to India. The prolific middle-order wicket-keeper batter has been released from India’s Asia Cup Squad ahead of IND vs. PAK fixture.
Why was Sanju Samson released ahead of the IND vs. PAK clash?
Samson’s presence in the squad was not without reason; he had been designated as the backup option for KL Rahul, who had been nursing a persistent injury. Samson’s presence in India’s squad was of great importance given Rahul’s unavailability for the initial games of the tournament, including the high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.
However, fate took an unexpected turn when KL Rahul successfully cleared all the required fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), proving that he is ready to play in the Asia Cup 2023. This development marked a pivotal moment in Samson’s journey in the Asia Cup 2023, as the team management had to make the tough decision to release him from the squad, as confirmed by a leading news portal. With KL Rahul being included in India’s Playing XI for the epic IND vs. PAK clash, Samson had no purpose to stay with the Indian contingent. Thus the management took the tough call of releasing him from the squad.
Sanju Samson is also omitted from India’s World Cup squad
Adding to the complexity of Sanju Samson’s situation was his omission from India’s 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. This World Cup, scheduled from October 5 to November 19, will be hosted by India for the first time in its history, making it an even more prestigious event.
As Samson bids farewell to Sri Lanka and returns to India, KL Rahul gears up to slot directly into the playing XI, likely replacing Ishan Kishan for the much-anticipated IND vs. PAK clash against Pakistan on September 10. Rahul’s return to the team is a significant boost, given his crucial role as India’s number 5 batsman.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also shared his perspective on the matter, supporting the selection committee’s decision. According to him, the selectors made the right choice by picking Suryakumar Yadav over Samson for the middle-order role. Harbhajan emphasized Suryakumar’s reliability and ability to anchor an innings, qualities he believes Samson may lack in the limited-overs format.
A Glimpse of KL Rahul’s Recovery Journey
KL Rahul’s journey back to full fitness was far from easy. The batter had suffered an injury during the IPL 2023, which necessitated extensive rehabilitation, including surgery. His successful recovery is not just a testament to his unwavering determination but also a ray of hope for the Indian team as they prepare to face Pakistan.
Though Sanju Samson has returned to India, the team present in Sri Lanka is preparing for the high-octane IND vs. PAK clash on 10th September. The return of middle-order specialist KL Rahul will bolster India’s squad & will help them to bounce on arch-rivals with full force.
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