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Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has heaped praise on wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson after his performance in the third ODI against West Indies. Samson was included in the playing XI of the third ODI against the Windies when star names like Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma were rested in the last two games. Samson made the best use of the opportunity and scored a fifty in the series decider on August 1, Tuesday.
Kaif has been impressed with the right-hand batter and said that the Rajasthan Royals skipper is ready for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Kaif was in a conversation with News18 CricketNext, where he said, “I am very, very impressed with Sanju Samson. The way he played the last game was impactful and he has done that in the past as well whether at four or five.”
Kaif added, “Sending Ishan or probably Axar at number four isn’t really a good idea. You need a batter who can play left-arm spin as well as leg spin and Sanju Samson has that kind of ability. If you look at the last game, he knew it was a do-or-die game and had the understanding, if he didn’t perform well, he won’t be included in the World Cup squad. Samson’s knock in the third ODI came under pressure and he is ready for the World Cup.”
The 42-year-old is of the opinion that the Indian team should try their best combination in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 as the event will prepare them for the World Cup scheduled in October and November this year. Kaif added, “I would say that the Indian team should play their best XI in the Asia Cup. I would like to see what team they play in the Asia Cup & who are the players who will be in the squad of 15. If you want to pick the 15, you will have to be very sure about the players who will be in the XI & who are your backups.”
