As the ODI World Cup 2023 approaches, India is finalizing its team combination. Their recent experimentation was evident when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were rested in the final two ODIs against West Indies. Although India lost the second ODI with a lineup of fringe players, they made a remarkable comeback to win the third ODI, with Sanju Samson playing a significant role and scoring a half-century batting at No. 4. However, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Samson has no place in the top 4 slots for ODIs.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin discussed Sanju Samson’s recent performance, acknowledging his talent and potential to change the game’s course. He pointed out Samson’s good record in ODIs, including the fifty he scored in the third ODI against West Indies. Ashwin recognized Samson’s ability to handle spin bowling effectively, which is one of his strengths.

Ashwin clarified that the positions of number 3 and 4 in the Indian team are not open for Samson, as Virat Kohli is a fixed choice at number 3, while Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are the established openers. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are also considered certainties when they are fit. The team needs a backup keeper-batsman for numbers 4 and 5 positions in case either KL Rahul or Shreyas Iyer is unavailable. However, Ashwin noted that Samson has not been playing that specific role in the IPL; instead, he has started to assume that role only in ODIs, where he recently scored a half-century.

Ashwin expressed his belief that Sanju Samson might be considered as part of the contingency plan for the ODI World Cup, looking beyond the top 4 positions. He also mentioned that young talent Tilak Varma is making good progress and could be in contention for a spot in the squad.

India will commence their World Cup campaign against Australia on October 8th.