New Delhi: Former India coach Ravi Shastri discussed Sanju Samson's selection for the ODI team, the preferred left-right combination balance, and the significance of developing a pipeline of young players for the forthcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023.
India will host the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 from October to November 2023. Men in Blue have a number of well-known players, but their recent success in the format has been hit and miss. They have won two and lost two ODI series since December 2022.
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Sanju Samson's inclusion in the ODI lineup was supported by Ravi Shastri in a conversation with The Media. He thought the batter still had potential to reach the international stage, and it would be disappointing if it didn't happen.
"There is Sanju (Samson), who I believe is yet to realise his potential," Shastri added.
"He is a match-winner. There is something that is missing. I will be disappointed if he does not finish his career all guns blazing. It is like when I was the coach, I would have been disappointed if Rohit Sharma had not played in my side as a regular Test player. Hence, his opening the batting. I feel similar with Sanju."
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Shastri also believed that by choosing a left-right mix, the side might achieve the ideal equilibrium. As many as two left-handers in their starting six were what he wanted to see.
"You need to strike the right balance. Do you think a left-hander will make a difference at the top? It does not have to be opening, but in the top three or four. You have to weigh all those options. Ideally, in the top six, I would like to see two left-handers."
Shastri added by saying that the nation had serious left-handed potential that was prepared to take the place of any senior player.
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"You have Ishan Kishan. In the wicket-keeping department, you have Sanju. But the left-handers, you have (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, Tilak Varma. There is enough left-handed talent that can replace any senior player at the moment."
A pool of 15 to 20 young players should be formed by India's ODI team, according to the former all-rounder, who also wants to keep them involved with the senior team. According to Shastri, there were numerous injuries in the international setup, hence it was ideal if India had fallback plans.
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