‘Clarity of thought is not there’ – Aakash Chopra reacts to omission of Sanju Samson from India’s ODI squad for Sri Lanka series

There have been a lot of talks regarding India’s squad for the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka starting July 27. Including Suryakumar Yadav overtaking Hardik Pandya in the T20I captaincy race, there are a few surprises in the squad announcement. One such notable decision was the omission of Sanju Samson from the ODI squad.

Although Samson is part of the T20I squad, he has been ignored for the 50-over series. Despite possessing an average of 56.67 and a healthy strike rate of 99.61, the keeper-batter was once again overlooked. Notably, he scored a match-winning hundred as a specialist batter in the last ODI against South Africa in December last year.   

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When the transition happens, bridges are not built at times: Aakash Chopra on Samson’s snub

Former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra believes Samson's omission was due to an improper transition. Recalling the Kerala cricketer’s 108-run knock in Paarl, Chopra said there is a lack of clarity in Samson’s case and the return of senior players could also be a factor.

"The problem is that you see quite often that the main team players don't play between two World Cups. Then some youngster plays and when he does well, you feel he is very good and should be given opportunities but as soon as the senior player becomes available, the senior plays and the youngster is left out. If you see logically, it's right because he was keeping the bench warm, but is it right?" he said

"When the transition happens, a new coach, a new captain or a new selection committee, bridges are not built at times and there are gaps left in the middle. It's that gap in Sanju Samson's case because clarity of thought is not there as he had scored a century the last time he was played, so why he is not a part of the team now?" the former India opener added.

With the return of KL Rahul, India have two keeping options, the other being Rishabh Pant. It is noteworthy that Shivam Dube has been picked in both formats. Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the ODI side, with Shubman Gill taking over as vice-captain from Hardik.

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