IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals celebrated their captain Sanju Samson’s India ODI call-up in a witty fashion by sharing an old video of Suryakumar Yadav showing picture of the wicketkeeper-batter on his phone.
Senior players including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah among others have been rested from the South Africa ODI series starting later this month.
Samson has been recalled in the 16-man squad to be led by KL Rahul for the three-match series slated to get underway from December 17.
“Who’s going to South Africa with Team India?” pic.twitter.com/ofpPk8kLdU— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 30, 2023
Samson’s return to international cricket has created a buzz in the Indian cricket community. However, there are few who have questioned the batter’s selection to the squad, others feels he fully deserves a spot for the upcoming tour.
“Sanju deserved a chance, he has been performing consistently”, wrote one fan.
Sanju deserved a chance, he has been performing consistently.— Sardar Adnan (@Chishmish_hon) November 30, 2023
Another fan felt that Samson has been often made a scapegoat.
“Every Indian gets chances in India and they become stars even if they fail in overseas but why Sanju as a scapegoat in overseas format,” the fan wrote.
🥲every indian gets chances in India and they become stars even if they fail in overseas😭but why sanju as a scapegoat in overseas format— Akash SP (@AkashSp12) November 30, 2023
Other fans feel like BCCI’s decision to add Samson to the squad is a good call.
“Sanju Samson has been added to the ODI squad as a backup wk. Rahul being the captain wk will play all three matches. Fantastic stroke of play by the BCCI.
Sanju Samson has been added to the ODI squad as a backup wk.Rahul being the captain wk will play all the three matches.Fantastic stroke of play by BCCI👏.— Ashwin M (@Ashwin826) November 30, 2023
While one fan made sure that the admin got enough credit for making the hilarious joke. “Admin is so interesting person, I love his sense of humour,” the reply read.
Admin is so interesting person, I love his sense of humor— Mr. V (@varunvv66) November 30, 2023
Samson will be assuming the role of a backup wicketkeeper in India’s upcoming South Africa tour. This means that he will likely not be featuring in the playing XI for India unless Ishan Kishan or KL Rahul are unavailable.
Samson last featured in India’s tour of the West Indies at Tarouba on August 1. In that match, he struck a quick 51 runs in 41 balls. His show played an important role in India winning the game by 200 runs.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar, the top-ranked T20I batter in the world will be captaining the Indian squad in South Africa.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set to miss white-ball leg of the tour, Suryakumar will be shouldering the responsibility to guide the India players.
He is currently leading the Men in Blue in their five-match T20I series against Australia at home.