“Leaving out Sanju Samson was a wrong decision”- Mohammad Kaif slams selectors for over Dhruv Jurel's selection for Australia ODIs

Dhruv Jurel has been chosen as back-up wicket-keeper in Indian team for Australia ODIs ahead of Sanju Samson.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has blasted chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee for selecting Dhruv Jurel over Sanju Samson for India’s next ODI series against Australia.  

On October 10, 2025, Kaif expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, claiming that while Jurel has potential, Samson would have been a better fit for the middle-order position.

The selection decision has prompted debate on social media, with cricket experts and fans weighing in on the issue. The main area of discussion is the team’s composition in the middle of the batting order.

While Kaif acknowledged Jurel’s talent and performance, he emphasized that this shouldn’t overshadow Samson’s consistent performances and specific skill set.

“I feel that Dhruv Jurel played really well when he scored that century (against WI). He looked very compact and organized, and he is definitely the future of Indian cricket. He has the ability to score in every match. But leaving out Sanju Samson was a wrong decision because Sanju usually plays in the lower order, around number five or six, and for that position, he is a much better option than Jurel,” Kaif stated on his social media channels.

Sanju Samson will be seen in action on the tour of Australia in the T20I series.

He’s in the top 10 for most sixes in the IPL: Mohammad Kaif says Sanju Samson is a perfect fit for India’s middle order

Samson’s skill against spin bowling, which he feels makes him especially vital in the middle order for ODI cricket, was notably mentioned by the former India batter. According to Kaif, this skill set would have been particularly useful in Australian conditions.

“At that spot, you need someone who can hit sixes, especially against spinners. We saw Sanju Samson’s strength in the Asia Cup. If he had gone to Australia, he would have hit Adam Zampa for maximums. He’s in the top 10 for most sixes in the IPL, and he fits perfectly at number five or six in Australian conditions,” Kaif elaborated.

“Right now, we tend to focus only on current form, like how well Jurel played recently, and in doing so, we forget players like Sanju who have been performing consistently and are deserving,” Kaif added.

Samson has played 16 ODIs for India, scoring 516 runs, including three fifties and one century, at an average of 56.66. His highest score is 108, which came in South Africa.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.