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Sanju Samson excluded: Most shocking omissions from India squad for South Africa ODIs

Debashis Sarangi

Samson wasn't picked for SA ODIs [Source: AFP]Samson wasn't picked for SA ODIs [Source: AFP]

On Sunday, the BCCI unveiled India's star-studded squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. While KL Rahul became India's stand-in captain amid Shubman Gill's neck injury, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rishabh Pant returned to the ODI setup after a long hiatus. 

However, several renowned players were ignored for the highly anticipated ODI series due to some valid reasons, as explained below. 

Sanju Samson

Why did India ignore Sanju Samson for SA ODIs?

  • With Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer injured, India were expected to recall Sanju Samson into the ODIs, considering his experience and overall record in the format. However, despite averaging 56.7 with the bat, Samson was ignored for the home series. 
  • Interestingly, India brought Rishabh Pant back into their ODI setup despite the southpaw averaging just 33.5 in the format. The primary reason behind choosing Pant over Samson was that the former is a genuine middle-order batter, unlike the latter. So, as India are searching for Iyer's temporary replacement at 4, Pant pipped Samson in the race. 
  • Added to that, Pant's ability to chip in with valuable inputs and play a pivotal role as a part of the leadership group might've tempted the BCCI to pair him up with Rahul as India's decision-makers for the home series. 

Axar Patel

Why did India drop Axar Patel for SA ODIs?

  • When the Indian squad for the Australia tour was announced, BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar had revealed that the Indian think tank keeps Axar Patel higher in the pecking order than Ravindra Jadeja as India's primary spin all-rounder for the 2027 World Cup. 
  • In such a scenario, Axar's ODI snub and Jadeja's reintroduction to the format for the South Africa home series surprised fans as well as experts. Talking about Axar's recent performance, the left-hander amassed 75 runs and bagged three wickets on the Australia tour. Although he wasn't phenomenal, Axar's performance wasn't poor enough to result in his axing from the side. 
  • That said, Jadeja's comeback is meant to add bite to India's bowling attack. While the veteran cricketer's big-hitting prowess is on a decline, he's still India's second-best spinner after Kuldeep Yadav. So, with Rishabh Pant set to play the enforcer's role in the middle order, India might've decided to rest Axar and try out Jadeja in a bowling all-rounder's role down the order. 

Mohammed Siraj

Why did India exclude Mohammed Siraj for SA ODIs?

Criterion
Data
Matches
47
Wickets73
Average/SR24.7/28.6
Economy5.17

(Mohammed Siraj's ODI stats)

  • Ace speedster Mohammed Siraj has had an eventful ODI career, scalping 73 wickets in just 47 matches at an impressive average of 24.7. Considering Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the home series, India were expected to pick their second most senior pacer, Siraj, to spearhead the attack. 
  • However, Siraj has been playing cricket for a long time now and deserves a break. Furthermore, the pitches in India don't really assist seam bowling, and given that the hosts have Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna, Siraj was rested for the South Africa series.