ODI series vs Australia: Irfan Pathan makes explosive statement on Sanju Samson

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCI) selection committee snubbed wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for the ODI series against Australia.

Reacting to India's squad announcement for the three-match series, former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan issued an interesting statement about power-hitter Samson.

“If I’m in place of @IamSanjuSamson right now I will be very disappointed…,” tweeted Irfan.

Notably, two separate squads have been picked for the Australia series. In both of the squads, Samson’s name went missing as youngsters Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna and Washington Sundar were recalled for the first two One Day International (ODIs) against Australia.

Samson, who had a series of forgetful outings against the West Indies in the Caribbean, was earlier named as a backup batter in India’s Asia Cup squad. 

However, Samson was snubbed from India’s squad for the ICC World Cup as the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee handpicked KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan as the two wicketkeeper options for the Men in Blue at the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023.

Interestingly, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been picked in the squad. Ashwin made a return to the ODI setup following a hamstring injury to Axar Patel. Ashwin last played an ODI for India in 2022.