Sanju Samson set for ODI comeback, Gambhir and Agarkar plan big move

MUMBAI: Indian wicketkeeper and Malayali star Sanju Samson is currently enjoying a phenomenal run of form. The 31-year-old, who was the Player of the Tournament in India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign, is also performing strongly in the IPL after moving from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings. In the current season, Sanju has already scored over 300 runs in eight matches, including two centuries.

According to reports in national media, Sanju Samson is now set for a return to India’s ODI team. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are planning to include him as the second wicketkeeper, keeping in mind next year’s ODI World Cup. Currently, KL Rahul is the first-choice wicketkeeper in ODIs, while Rishabh Pant is the second option. However, with Pant going through poor form, the selectors are considering bringing Samson into the squad.

Although Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel are also being considered, Samson is currently the frontrunner. His consistent batting performances in T20Is and the IPL, along with his solid wicketkeeping, have worked in his favour. Sanju Samson last played an ODI for India in 2023, where he scored a century against South Africa. Across 16 ODIs for India, he has accumulated 510 runs, featuring one hundred and three fifties, at an excellent average of 56.67.