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Itna bada comparison Ravi bhai' - Fans react to Ravi Shastri's bold statement on Sanju Samson following return to Indian team for West Indies tour

Sanju Samson has made his comeback to the Indian Team on the back of some amazing performances in the Indian Premier League 2023

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Rohit Kumar
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Ravi Shastri and Sanju Samson

Ravi Shastri and Sanju Samson (Source - Twitter)

Ravi Shastri, the former head coach, made a lot of noise regarding the name Sanju Samson. The Kerala batsman has been included in the team for the series between India and the West Indies ODI squad. Shastri suggested that Samson may be the "match-winner" that India is seeking by comparing him to a teenage Rohit Sharma.

Shastri said in a conversation with The Week, “"There is Sanju , who I believe is yet to realise his potential. 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,"

"I would like to see two left-handers." : Ravi Shastri

Shastri appears to agree and wants the inclusion of a minimum of two left-handers within India's starting lineup before the One-day International World Cup that follows. He said, "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."

India has lost a crucial left-hander in one-day cricket with Rishabh Pant not participating in any competitive matches this year owing to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. Ishan Kishan has been used by them in a couple of games this season. Another choice is Ravindra Jadeja, but he has a shorter tenure of batting inside the top six. Yashasvi Jaiswal was included in the Test team for India's series against the West Indies, although his name was not included in the ODI squad. 

The former Indian team head coach analysed the Indian team’s left-handed options. He said, “"You have Ishan Kishan. In the wicketkeeping department, you have Sanju . But the left-handers, you have Jaiswal, Tilak Varma. There is enough left-handed talent that can replace any senior player at the moment."

Fans react to Ravi Shastri's bold statement on Sanju Samson following return to Indian team for West Indies tour : -

Ravi Shastri Sanju Samson One Day World Cup 2023