India’s former fast bowler Sreesanth has urged the selection committee to include wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson in the team for the 2024 T20 World Cup. According to Sreesanth, Samson should be played as a pure batsman instead of replacing first-choice wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant and ahead of Shivam Dube. Sreesanth believes that if Dube is not bowling, India would benefit from having a better batsman like Samson in the team, particularly as a finisher.
Sreesanth, who hails from Kerala like Samson, emphasized the importance of giving Samson a chance in the playing XI. Despite his usual batting position being at no. 3, Sreesanth suggested that he should be used as a finisher in the T20 World Cup alongside Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Sreesanth highlighted Samson’s successful performance in the IPL prior to the T20 World Cup, where he was among the top run-scorers for Rajasthan Royals.
Sreesanth also reflected on Shivam Dube’s contribution in a crucial match against USA, where he played a significant role in helping India secure victory and advance to the Super 8 stage. Despite acknowledging Dube’s potential with the bat, Sreesanth believes that having Samson in the team could strengthen India’s batting line-up, especially if Dube is not bowling. Sreesanth’s experience as a T20 World Cup and Cricket World Cup winner adds weight to his insights and recommendations for India’s composition in the upcoming tournament.
In conclusion, Sreesanth strongly advocates for including Sanju Samson in India’s playing XI for the 2024 T20 World Cup as he believes that if Dube is not bowling, Samson’s presence would provide stronger batting options. He urges Indian selectors to consider this recommendation while finalizing their squad for this international event.
