Former CSK Star Takes A Swipe At Indian Team Management for Overlooking Sanju Samson in First ODI

Suryakumar Yadav in Sanju Samson's jersey | Source: Twitter 

The Indian cricket team overlooked the wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson yet again and did not include him in the playing XI for the first ODI match against West Indies on Thursday, July 27. Instead, Ishan Kishan was given the role of wicket-keeping in the absence of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. 

The Ranchi keeper-batter also stepped up to the occasion and seized the opportunity given to him by the management as he smashed a sensational half-century [52 off 46 balls] and helped India chase down the target of 115 runs within 23 overs. 

In the midst of debates over Sanju Samson's exclusion, former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath has now taken a sly dig at the management for ignoring the Kerala batter in the first ODI. 

Badrinath took to Twitter to share the picture of Suryakumar wearing Samson's jersey during the match and wrote:

                    “Looks like the only way Sanju can find a place in the XI #WIvIND.”

Check S Badrinath’s Tweet: 

As for the first ODI, India won the toss and elected to field first. The Indian bowlers delivered an exceptional performance, bundling out the hosts for a mere 114 runs in 24 overs. 

Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the pick of the bowlers, securing a splendid four-wicket haul, with Ravindra Jadeja providing valuable support with three wickets. 

In reply, India's management decided to shake things up in their batting lineup, but the gamble didn't pay off, resulting in the loss of five wickets during their chase of the 115-run target.  

The second ODI match is scheduled for Saturday, July 29 at the same venue, where India will aim to solidify their lead and make it 2-0, while West Indies will be eager to put on an improved batting performance. 

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