"It will throw up multiple options for the selector" - Saba Karim wants Sanju Samson to bat at No. 3 in IND vs ZIM T20I series
Former India cricketer and selector Saba Karim reckons that Sanju Samson should feature in all the matches of the upcoming five-match T20I series between India and Zimbabwe. He opined that the keeper-batter should bat at his preferred position of No. 3.
Karim pointed out that Samson has done well at that batting position in the 20-over format. He mentioned that the 29-year-old's performances in the Zimbabwe series will be crucial, considering that the Men in Blue's T20I team is in a transitional phase following the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja.
Speaking to Sony Sports, Karim said:
"Because I feel in this series, if he's available, he should get to play all five T20Is, and that also number three. Because that's the kind of spot which he prefers and where he has done well. I think it will throw up multiple options for the selectors, going forward, and it will be good to see.
"These are exciting times for Indian cricket because now the transition will start from the Zimbabwe Series and there are a number of newcomers who would want to cement their place in the side, even for the wicketkeeper slot. So I know that they have, the selectors, tried out the number three."
It is worth mentioning that Sanju Samson was part of India's 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad. However, he didn't play a single match, with the team management picking Rishabh Pant as their first-choice keeper-batter.
"If he does well, then he'll get many more opportunities at that number" - Saba Karim on Sanju Samson batting at No. 3
Saba Karim highlighted that Sanju Samson is an experienced campaigner now and has proved his mettle as captain and a player with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The cricketer-turned-commentator suggested that Samson will get opportunities to bat in the top order if he makes the most of his chances in Zimbabwe. Karim added:
"He has done well in patches. He may get some more opportunities at that number. There is a strong possibility that they may want to bring him back down the order.
"So there are a number of options available, but I think yes, if Sanju Samson gets get to play five T0Is here, then at least going forward, if he does well, then he'll get many more opportunities at that number because he is rich in talent. He's got loads of experience now. He led the RR side quite well last season in the IPL, so there are some great challenges ahead for Samson."
The likes of Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal are unlikely to play in the first T20I of the Zimbabwe series as their departure from Barbados was delayed due to a hurricane threat.
The first T20I of the series will be played at Harare Sports Club in Harare on Saturday, July 6. Shubman Gill will lead the Indian team for the five games.