“He can be our X-factor” – Suresh Raina backs Sanju Samson to cement a spot in T20 World Cup squad
India’s middle-order conundrum is something which has continued to haunt the Men in Blue not just in recent years but for close to a decade. India’s inability to sort out the middle-order woes has prevented them from ending the ICC title drought, something that the national selectors need to pay close attention to.
The last time India won the ICC trophy was back in 2013 when they beat England in the Champions Trophy final. It’s been a decade since India last won the ICC trophy and they had a chance to end the title drought in the ICC World Cup 2023 but they let the chance slip away from their hands.
However, the Men in Blue have a chance to make the amends by fixing the leaks going forward into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. For that to happen, the first step they need to take is to bring in a proper batter who can anchor the innings in the middle order. Meanwhile, Suresh Raina has backed Sanju Samson to cement a spot in the T20 World Cup squad.
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Suresh Raina feels Sanju Samson can be India’s X factor for T20 World Cup 2024
Sanju Samson is one of the few players who has lived up to his reputation in the limited opportunities he has played for the team. He is someone who can prove to be a real case for himself in the middle-order. Notably, he made a statement with the bat by scoring a century against South Africa in the third ODI at the No.3 spot.
It was his maiden century in the 50-over format wherein he scored 108 off 114 balls (6 fours and 3 sixes). “Sanju has made a wonderful hundred against South Africa recently. He is definitely a captain material as his mind is ticking all the time while on the field. We have some very good options for the wicketkeeper-batter role — KL Rahul, Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Pant whenever he comes back after getting fit,” Raina added.
Sanju Samson hasn’t been picked for any ICC events so far in his career and Suresh Raina reckons that Samson can be India’s X factor for the T20 World Cup 2024. “So, it is a good chance for Sanju against Afghanistan, and he can be our X-Factor in the World Cup,” the former Indian cricketer said.
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