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"We forget players like Sanju…,": Kaif Slams Agarkar for choosing Jurel in ODI side

Soumyajit Dutta

Ajit Agarkar and Sanju Samson [Source: @ImSarvada/X.com]Ajit Agarkar and Sanju Samson [Source: @ImSarvada/X.com]

The India vs Australia ODI series is set to begin on October 19. Yet ahead of its inception, the cricketing world has been buzzing with opinions from former cricketers. Recently, ex-India cricketer Mohammad Kaif slammed chief selector Ajit Agarkar for the controversial selection of Dhruv Jurel over Sanju Samson as India's primary wicketkeeper-batter. 

Interestingly, not only Kaif but many Indian fans also disagreed with Agarkar's decision, believing Sanju Samson would have been a more suitable option in the middle order.

Kaif bashes Agarkar's selection

Speaking about the bizarre selection, Mohammad Kaif stated that while Dhruv Jurel has shown promise, Sanju Samson would have been a more reliable option in the middle order. He emphasised that Jurel's potential should not overshadow Samson's consistency, especially after his successful Asia Cup 2025 campaign. 

"I feel that Dhruv Jurel played really well when he scored that century (against WI). He looked very compact and organised, and he is definitely the future of Indian cricket. He has that ability to score in every match. But leaving out Sanju Samson was a wrong decision because Sanju usually plays in the lower order, around number five or six, and for that position, he is a much better option than Jurel," Kaif said in a video.

Kaif further highlighted Samson's efficiency against spinners, which he believes is a particular strength for India in the middle overs and the middle order in ODI cricket. He also backed Samson's advantage in Australian conditions. 

"At that spot, you need someone who can hit sixes, especially against spinners. We saw Sanju Samson's strength in the Asia Cup. If he had gone to Australia, he would have hit Adam Zampa for maximums. He's in the top 10 for most sixes in the IPL, and he fits perfectly at number five or six in Australian conditions," Kaif elaborated.

Kaif points out selectors' recent tendency

Along the lines of selection, Kaif raised concerns about the selection committee's peculiar tendency to prioritise recent form over consistency.

"Right now, we tend to focus only on current form, like how well Jurel played recently, and in doing so, we forget players like Sanju who have been performing consistently and are deserving," he said.

Nevertheless, with Dhruv Jurel in contention for the playing XI, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are also returning to the national jersey after a long break. However, Samson's strong track record in the IPL failed to earn him a place in India's ODI squad for the Australia tour, as he continues to await his next India call-up.