Sanju Samson’s repeated exclusion from India’s ODI squad for the upcoming Australia series has reignited debate—this time with former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif calling out selectors for what he calls a “wrong” and “puzzling” decision.
Kaif, known for his sharp cricketing insights and middle-order reliability during his playing days, didn’t mince words: “He’s much better than Dhruv Jurel” when it comes to filling the critical No. 5 or No. 6 batting slot in ODIs.
Table of Contents
- Kaif’s Strong Take on Samson’s Omission
- Why Sanju Samson Is a Perfect Fit for Australian Conditions
- Jurel vs. Samson: A Tale of Formats
- Is This Another Missed Opportunity?
- Fan and Expert Reactions Pour In
- Sources
Kaif’s Strong Take on Samson’s Omission
Speaking to media outlets ahead of India’s ODI series against Australia, Kaif expressed clear frustration over the selectors’ logic. “Dhruv Jurel has done well in Tests, no doubt,” Kaif acknowledged, “but ODI cricket demands a different skill set—especially in the lower middle order.”
He emphasized that Samson brings proven six-hitting ability, composure under pressure, and familiarity with Australian pitches—all crucial for high-stakes limited-overs cricket Down Under.
Why Sanju Samson Is a Perfect Fit for Australian Conditions
Sanju Samson isn’t just another name on the bench. His domestic and IPL record in Australia speaks volumes:
- Played for Rajasthan Royals in multiple BBL-style conditions during IPL’s Australian leg (2020).
- Averaged over 40 in white-ball cricket on bouncy tracks with true bounce.
- Consistently finishes innings with a strike rate above 130 in the death overs.
“In Australia, you need someone who can clear the ropes when the ball is hard and boundaries are long,” Kaif noted. “Samson has that X-factor.”
Jurel vs. Samson: A Tale of Formats
Dhruv Jurel’s recent Test performances—particularly his gritty 90 against England—earned him praise. But Kaif argues that Test form doesn’t automatically translate to ODI success.
| Player | ODI Avg (Last 2 Years) | Strike Rate (No. 5/6) | Australia Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | 42.3 | 134 | Multiple IPL matches + 2023 WC warm-ups |
| Dhruv Jurel | 28.1 | 98 | Limited (mostly domestic) |
While Jurel is a promising talent, Kaif believes slotting him into a high-pressure ODI middle order without sufficient white-ball validation is a gamble.
Is This Another Missed Opportunity?
This isn’t the first time Samson’s been left out despite strong performances. Fans and analysts have long questioned the selection committee’s inconsistency with him—especially when India struggles to find a reliable finisher post-Dhoni.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, many see this Australia tour as a vital testing ground. “If not now, when?” Kaif asked. “You can’t keep benching your best finishers and expect results.”
Fan and Expert Reactions Pour In
Cricket Twitter erupted after Kaif’s comments, with hashtags like #BringBackSamson trending. Former players like Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan have also previously backed Samson for the ODI setup.
“Samson’s the most underrated Indian batter in limited-overs,” one fan posted. “We keep rotating 5 guys at No. 5, but ignore the one who actually owns that role.”