Sanju's World Twenty20 spot uncertain; Single opportunity for comeback

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Malayalee cricketer Sanju Samson has secured a spot in the ODI team, yet fans remain discontented. They criticize his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad feeling his inclusion in the 50-over format indicates he might not be considered for the upcoming T20 World Cup next June. Sanju, who excels in batting and fielding joins the ODI squad for the South African tour led by captain KL Rahul, primarily as a batsman. However, with KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper Sanju's opportunities in the playing eleven might be limited.

Jitesh Sharma serves as the second wicketkeeper in the T20 team, both in the ongoing series against Australia and overall. Sanju's absence from the T20 team has dashed the hopes of Malayali fans to witness a Malayali player in the World Cup after S Sreesanth. Nonetheless, Sanju must seize this chance despite his recent poor form in domestic cricket. Fans hope he'll shine in South Africa.

Before the T20 World Cup, India has matches solely in the 20-over format post the South African tour notably against Afghanistan. The final decision on the Asia Cup remains pending. If excluded, Sanju's route back to the T20 team might rely solely on performing well in the IPL.