Sanju Samson's last World Cup game? Team India likely to rest star players in tomorrow's match

GUJARAT: After cruising to the Super Eight by defeating arch rivals Pakistan, India will play their last match of the group stage against the Netherlands on Wednesday at the Gujarat Cricket Association Stadium. Malayali batsman Sanju Samson, who has been desperately trying to regain his form, will likely play in this match. As the match is not crucial for the team, the coach will likely rest crucial players and test the bench strength.

It is reported that Ishan Kishan may be rested in the match, which will open doors for Sanju to be in the playing eleven. Even if provided with an opportunity, tomorrow's game will be Sanju’s last in the World Cup. The team management has fixed on a permanent starting eleven that doesn’t include the Malayali star batsman.

Against Netherlands, Sanju will likely enter the field as an opening batsman alongside Abhishek Sharma. The management's move is to give ample playing time for Abhishek in order to get him back to his best.

Sanju's future chances in the team depend on the fitness of the top-order batsmen. The Malayali would only be called back into the playing eleven if any of the top order batsman needs to be sidelined due to injury. Sanju was formerly called to replace Abhishek in the team. The Keralite has been struggling lately to find his form after a lacklustre performance at his home turf in Thiruvananthapuram.