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Manjrekar Demands For Sanju Samson In India's Playing XI Over Shivam Dube Vs PAK

Sanju Samson in action for Team India in 2023 (x.com)Sanju Samson in action for Team India in 2023 (x.com)

Prominent commentator Sanjay Manjrekar wants the Indian team management to include Sanju Samson in the playing XI for their T20 World Cup 2024 Group A match against arch-rivals Pakistan. 

Earlier this week, Sanju Samson was excluded from India’s opening match against Ireland in New York.

Back on June 1, the 29-year-old managed to score just a run against Bangladesh in India’s lone warm-up match of the tournament. 

However, Samson enjoyed a prolific IPL 2024 season with the bat for the Rajasthan Royals, tallying over 500 runs in 16 innings at an average of nearly 50 and a strike-rate of 153.46.


Manjrekar wants Sanju Samson over Dube in Indian XI

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar wants the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter in the Indian playing XI for the upcoming Group A match against Pakistan. Manjrekar believes the 29-year-old can replace Shivam Dube if the all-rounder will not be required to bowl.

Moreover, the cricketer-turned-commentator also stated that Sanju Samson has “matured” and this is the best version of him Team India can get at the international level. 

"I believe Sanju Samson has finally matured and this is the best Sanju Samson that India will get at the international level," Manjrekar said while speaking to ESPNCricinfo.

While Sanju Samson was selected in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 as one of the leading wicket-keepers, the team management went with Rishabh Pant for the opening game against Ireland. 

Rishabh Pant scored an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls in the match to seal the deal for Team India in a clinical run-chase.

With a win up their belt, the Indian team will now go up against Pakistan at New York’s Nassau County International Stadium. The match will be played on June 9.