India vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI tip XI: Sanju Samson unlikely to play, Kuldeep for Yuzvendra Chahal
Sanju Samson (BCCI/Twitter)
Ahead of the series, stand-in coach VVS Laxman said multi-dimensional players are the need of the hour in T20 cricket. “We need bowlers who can bat and batters who can bowl.” But again, the lack of a sixth bowling option has become an Achilles heel for Team India.
Sanju Samson’s non-inclusion in the T20Is against New Zealand has raised eyebrows. While Samson’s omission drew widespread criticism, he was once again omitted from the second ODI as India cannot afford to drop to Rishabh Pant and the lack of bowling options among the specialist hitters also effectively means Sanju has to sit out Samson again, like the last game where Deepak Hooda, due to his all round skills, was favored over the hugely popular cricketer from Kerala.
Since the last game was a washout, things will get interesting if interim head coach VVS Laxman decides to shuffle the playing XI, especially the bowling offense where Kuldeep Yadav doesn’t get a chance yet. But to leave out either Yuzvendra Chahal or Washington Sundar does them a disservice. Sundar has also proved his worth with the bat. (READ MORE)