Ever since the announcement of India’s squad for the ODI World Cup 2023, one name has dominated discussions within the Indian cricketing community – Sanju Samson. The talented wicket-keeper batsman found himself excluded from the 15-man squad for the World Cup and was also not selected for the Australia ODI series. As fans debate whether Samson deserved a spot in India’s ODI team, particularly for the Australia series, former India pacer S Sreesanth expressed his disappointment at the ‘sympathy’ the player is receiving.

“I think it’s the right decision because it’s very important for a player to understand himself,” Sreesanth stated in an interview with Sportskeeda. “From Gavaskar sir to Harsha Bhogle sir and Ravi Shastri sir, everyone rates him highly. There’s no doubt about his ability. But the approach… he doesn’t listen when someone asks him to play according to the pitch. He can change that attitude.”

Sreesanth revealed that he had even spoken to Samson about his approach on the 22-yard strip. Nevertheless, the former pacer remains disappointed to see the wicket-keeper batsman failing to exhibit the kind of consistency expected from a player of his caliber.

“Whenever I meet him, I tell him just one thing: ‘Sanju, please read the wicket. Wait, don’t go after every bowler. Think. You can hit anyone, anywhere, anytime; just wait for the opportunity,'” he added.

Samson boasts a significant fan following, and Sreesanth acknowledges this fact. However, the 2011 World Cup-winning India speedster believes that Samson is receiving plenty of sympathy from his fans but not the level of appreciation for his performances required to excel at the international level.

“All of the Malayali people who support him, including me, say he doesn’t get chances. We can’t say that. He got chances against Ireland, Sri Lanka; he has been playing in the IPL for 10 years. He has been playing since 2013, has been the captain too, and has scored just three centuries, and he hasn’t shown consistency,” he continued.

“I’ll say, ‘Waqt kiske liye nahi rukta’ (time doesn’t stop for anyone). Everyone talks about time, I’ll also tell the same to Sanju. A lot of good people are coming in. Even the two keepers going for the Asia Games (Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma). When everyone’s talking about you, make it count. Getting sympathy is very easy, but appreciation is difficult,” he said.

In a significant announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed its 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. This selection has stirred some discussions, primarily due to certain unexpected inclusions and exclusions.

One of the eye-catching decisions was the inclusion of wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul, despite his absence from the first two matches of the Asia Cup 2023 due to injury. This move indicates the BCCI’s confidence in his fitness and capabilities.

Tilak Varma, who was part of India’s 17-member squad for the Asia Cup, did not secure a spot in the 15-man World Cup squad. Similarly, Sanju Samson was also left out from the World Cup selection.

Prasidh Krishna, making his comeback to the ODI side after a prolonged injury hiatus, did not make the cut. In contrast, the exceptional fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was included in the squad.

The selection process adhered to the plan laid out by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who had previously indicated that the World Cup squad would be chosen from the 18-member Asia Cup squad, which included the reserve player Samson.

“We have picked the best possible combination. We have depth in our batting lineup, a variety of spin and other bowling options. Hardik Pandya’s all-round abilities make him a crucial asset for us in the World Cup,” remarked captain Rohit Sharma.

With KL Rahul now declared fully fit, he has rightfully earned his place in the World Cup squad. Additionally, he is expected to join the team for India’s Asia Cup Super 4 matches in Sri Lanka, further strengthening the squad.

The cricket world is buzzing with excitement as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce India’s ODI World Cup 2023 team today. Ajit Agarkar, the chief of the selection committee, took flight to Sri Lanka for crucial discussions with the team management to finalize the squad, as per sources reported by NDTV.

Fans eager to catch a glimpse of the chosen 15-member roster might not encounter significant surprises, considering the recent Asia Cup 2023 squad selection by the BCCI. In a shift from the Asia Cup’s 17-member lineup, designed to provide depth and backup, the World Cup squad will accommodate only 15 players. This constraint resulted in the omission of wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson, who was initially included as insurance for the fit-again KL Rahul.

As two players needed to make way for the reduced World Cup roster, Tilak Varma and Prasidh Krishna faced the unfortunate axing. Varma, who received his maiden ODI call-up for the Asia Cup, and Krishna, who made a triumphant return following a lengthy injury layoff, are the two members to be excluded.

On a more positive note, the trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, who all recently returned from various challenges, have secured their spots in India’s World Cup squad.

In a surprising twist, Yuzvendra Chahal, who didn’t make the cut for the Asia Cup squad, also failed to secure a place in the World Cup lineup. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, despite his struggles in the 50-over format, has managed to retain his position in the squad.