Why Sanju Samson's exclusion from India squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is justified

Sanju Samson has played 13 games and scored 390 runs at an average of 55.71 in ODIs.

India have announced their 15-members squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India. As per expectations, Team India retained their Asia Cup squad and released three extra players from their camp. Sanju Samson, Prasidh Krishna, and Tilak Varma have been excluded from the camp. Sanju Samson was once again unlucky and found no place in Indian team despite having a 55.71 average in ODIs. Selectors have preferred wicket-keepers Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul over Sanju in the World Cup 2023 squad. While Suryakumar Yadav was included as a reserve batter in the team.

Why Sanju Samson was excluded?

As KL Rahul is ready for his comeback with Indian team, he has been given priority over Sanju Samson. Ishan Kishan also made his place, as he had a wonderful run of form in the one-day international. Team management didn’t prefer Sanju Samson, as they already have Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul available for the wicket-keeping position in the team. Sanju Samson was taken to Sri Lanka only as a backup option in case Rahul doesn't get his full fitness for Asia Cup 2023 and the World Cup 2023. KL Rahul has been India’s preferred wicket-keeper option, along with the No. 5 middle-order position.

Ishan Kishan has been a consistent performer in ODIs recently. Kishan smashed a double-century against Bangladesh last year. In his last four ODIs, he has scored consecutive fifties. Kishan, along with all-rounder Hardik Pandya, took India out of the crisis against Pakistan at Pallekele. Kishan is picked as a reserve for KL Rahul in the World Cup squad. Kishan scored 82 runs in 81 balls against Pakistan and made great use of the opportunity given to him in KL Rahul’s absence.

Inconsistency played a huge part in Sanju Samson’s exclusion as well. Since his debut in July 2021, Sanju Samson has played only 13 ODI games and scored 390 runs with an average of 55.71, he has also smashed three half-centuries in his career. Sanju never got a consistent opportunity and was immediately dropped after just one or two games. Team India will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on October 8.