'He can change that attitude' - Sreesanth has his say on out-of-favour India cricketer's omission from ODIs 

Sanju Samson's absence from the three-match ODI series against Australia has been the talk of the town since the squad announcement. The wicket-keeper batter was last seen in action during the West Indies tour in 2023 and now he is not in any of Indian cricket's plans, including the Asian Games 2023.

He almost got a deal to play county cricket but had to opt out as he was called up as a travelling reserve in India's Asia Cup 2023 squad. Unsurprisingly, he was also left out of the World Cup squad. However, everyone expected him to be picked at least for the Australian series but failed to find a place in that too.

Meanwhile, former India pacer S Sreesanth was not surprised by Samson's omission, instead criticised his compatriot's on-field attitude. "I think it's the right decision (to exclude him from ODIs) because it's very important for a player to understand himself. Everyone rates him highly. There's no doubt about his ability. But the approach... he doesn't listen when someone asks him to play according to pitch. He can change that attitude," he said.

The two-time World Cup winner also recalled an earlier chat he had with Samson where he advised the out-of-favour player to work on his application. "Whenever I meet him, I tell him just one thing: Sanju, please read the wicket. Wait, don't go after every bowler. Think. You can hit anyone anywhere anytime, just wait for the opportunity," he added.

'Waqt kiske liye nahi rukta': Sreesanth's advice to Sanju Samson 

While criticising Samson's consistency in international cricket, there is a question mark over whether he has been given consistent opportunities in the team. The Kerala-born cricketer enjoys huge support from his fans, but Sreesanth feels that he has not been consistent in the IPL as well. The 40-year-old feels that the Rajasthan Royals skipper can play all formats of the game if he changes his mindset.

"All of Malyali people who support him, including me, say he doesn't get chances. We can't say that. He got chances against Ireland, Sri Lanka, he has been playing IPL for 10 years. He has been playing since 2013, has been the captain too, and has scored just three 100s and he hasn't shown consistency," he continued.

"I'll say, 'Waqt kiske liye nahi rukta' (time doesn't stop for anyone). Everyone talks about time, I'll also tell the same to Sanju. When everyone's talking about you, make it count. Getting sympathy is very easy, but appreciation is difficult. He will be back. He'll play all formats: Tests, ODIs and T20s if he changes his mindset. I think he should change his approach but he will not... I don't want to change a person who doesn't want to change." Sreesanth concluded.