He is ready for the World Cup – Mohammed Kaif backs Sanju Samson for ODI showpiece

Former Indian batter Mohammed Kaif wants Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel to back Sanju Samson for the upcoming ODI World Cup. After Samson was dismissed cheaply for only nine runs in the second ODI against the West Indies, the right-hander finally grab his chance in the deciding game of the series.

The batter from Kerala scored a fine knock of 51 runs off just 41 balls with the help of two fours and four sixes. The flamboyant batter completed his fifty off just 39 balls and came out with a clear plan to take the attack on the Windies bowlers.

Samson was able to hit the ground running, scoring two sixes on the first four balls he faced against Yannic Cariah, the leg-spinner who had dismissed him in the second game.

Kaif, who took India to glory in the NatWest final 2002, said playing either Ishan Kishan or Axar Patel in the middle order is not a good idea.

“I am massively impressed by Samson. He played an impactful knock, whether at four or five, he has done it in the past,” Kaif was quoted as saying by PTI during the launch of Amrit Mathur’s book ‘Pitchside’ on Wednesday, August 2.

“Sending Kishan or Axar Patel in the middle-order is not a great idea. You need someone who can play left-arm spin, leg spin and Samson can do that. His knock in the third ODI came under pressure and he is ready for the World Cup.”

On the other hand, India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had contrasting thoughts as compared to Kaif. Ashwin feels batting Axar Patel can be a good move since he is a left-hander. Patel was backed at number four in the second ODI but he could only manage a solitary run.

Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “Some of them asked why Axar Patel batted at No. 4. Where else will he bat? Shreyas Iyer will walk into the No. 4 spot when fit. We need a left-hander since Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will be opening the batting. If we play on slightly spinning wickets and if Axar bats a No. 4, we can extend our batting and play an extra bowler like Shardul [Thakur].

“We don’t know what the team management is thinking. Therefore, we can’t criticize them, saying their thought process is wrong,” Ashwin added.

India will take on the West Indies in the first T20I on Thursday.