The third and final ODI of the ongoing three-match series between India and Australia will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday (March 22). In the ODI World Cup year, the 50-over series between the two star-studded teams is tied at 1-1 after the conclusion of the first two matches. And ahead of the series decider, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has batted for the inclusion of star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson in India’s playing XI. The 28-year-old Kerala-based cricketer isn’t part of the Indian squad for the ongoing series, but still, Jaffer wants him to get a chance in the series decider in place of Suryakumar Yadav, who got out for a golden duck in the first two matches.
Citing Sanju’s impressive record in the 11 ODI matches he has played to date for the Men in Blue, Jaffer said that the Rajasthan Royals skipper deserves a spot in the team.
“We have to see if the management sticks with Suryakumar Yadav in the third ODI; otherwise, it’s not a bad option to give Sanju Samson a chance because he has played well when given the opportunity, and he is a good player,” Jaffer told ESPNCricinfo.
Sanju hasn’t played for Team India since January 3, 2023. He was part of India’s playing XI in the first T20I against Sri Lanka but got injured during fielding, which later ruled him out of the entire series and the upcoming months. His last ODI appearance for the Men in Blue was against New Zealand in Auckland on November 25 of last year.
The chatter about Sanju’s place in the team erupts after Surya failed to make the most of Shreyas Iyer’s absence and secure his place in India’s ODI team at No. 4. In Iyer’s absence, Surya was provided an opportunity to bat at 4 against Australia in the first two ODIs, but on both occasions he got out on a first-ball duck.
