Sanju Samson for ready for No.5 position but he was not picked for World Cup – Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif reckons Sanju Samson was ready for the No.5 position but he was not picked in the T20 World Cup. Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya batted at number five for the team in the recently concluded T20I showpiece.

The Rohit Sharma-led team was knocked out after they lost the semi-final clash against England by 10 wickets at Adelaide Oval. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has a good backfoot game and he could have done a good job for the team in the Australian conditions, which are known for extra bounce and pace.

In fact, earlier in the season, Indian captain Rohit Sharma had stated that Samson could be a handful in the Australian conditions as he has match-winning abilities. But the Kerala batter was not picked in the 15-man squad for the World Cup.

“Speaking of the future, I think one player was ready but was still not picked for the World Cup. Sanju Samson was ready for the No.5 position. He has been playing IPL for many years and has been leading Rajasthan Royals (RR) as well. He guided them to the final too this year,” Kaif told Sportskeeda.

Samson has scored 296 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 135.15 while playing for the national team. The flamboyant right-hander has scored 3526 runs in 138 IPL matches at an average of 29.14 and an impressive strike rate of 135.72.

“Samson played match-winning knocks in West Indies. When 2-3 wickets fall, he comes in and attacks. He has the ability to take on spinners and hit them for fours and sixes. He was ready but was not picked for the World Cup. That was a mistake,” he added.

Samson has been picked for the three-match series against New Zealand and he will look to deliver the goods for the team if he gets his opportunity in the playing XI.

The first T20I between India and New Zealand will be played in Wellington on Friday.