Follow UsIndia recently announced their ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia. While the main talking point of that squad is Shubman Gill taking over the reigns from Rohit Sharma, India went in with Dhruv Jurel ahead of Sanju Samson.
Jurel, who scored his maiden Test ton in the first match of the series against West Indies, is yet to play ODIs for India. Samson, on the other hand, is not just in great form in T20 cricket; he averages 56.66 in ODIs in 16 matches so far.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif feels it was harsh on the Indian selectors to overlook Samson, who has fared well in the middle-order, for Jurel.
"I feel that Dhruv Jurel played really well when he scored that century [against WI]. He looked very compact and organised, and he is definitely the future of Indian cricket. He has that ability to score in every match," Kaif said according to Times of India.
"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 believes Samson has the ability to hit sixes, especially against the spinners, a trait that would be handy in the middle overs.
"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 added.
Kaif also lambasted the selectors for their recency bias and ignoring players who have consistently performed over a long period of time. "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," he said.
While Samson does not find a place in the ODI side, he is part of the T20Is, with Jitesh Sharma being the other wicketkeeper. The Australia tour begins with the ODIs from October 19, and the T20Is will commence from October 29.