Reports: ‘People’s Favourite’ Sanju Samson to be dropped from India Asia Cup Squad

The BCCI is set to announce Team India Asia Cup squad on August 20 as the multi-team tournament is set to begin on August 30. As per the reports, while the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul will make a comeback into the Indian squad, Sanju Samson is likely to be dropped out.

Samson was a part of the Indian squad on the recently concluded limited overs series against West Indies. However, he couldn’t make use of the opportunities given to him and ended up producing a string of poor scores.

Team India Asia Cup Squad: Sanju Samson likely to be dropped after a lean run in West Indies

As per a report published by the Times of India, KL Rahul has completely recovered from his thigh injury and is set to make a comeback in the India Asia Cup squad. Hence, Sanju Samson is likely to get a spot in the 15-member squad as Ishan Kishan will be the backup wicketkeeper.

“Rahul is by and large fit, and is ‘keeping wickets too, while Shreyas Iyer (operated for a back injury) is still not 100%. Both have taken part in match simulations at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and will play a practice match soon,” a source told Times of India.

“The fitness of the players who are back from the West Indies tour will also be assessed by the team and NCA’s physios. Hence the delay in naming the team,” the report further added.

It’s worth noting that Sanju Samson scored only 32 runs in the 5-match T20I series and amassed 72 runs in the ODI series against West Indies. The team management had certainly expected better results from him in the absence of some senior players.

Team India’s speedster Jasprit Bumrah who has been named as the captain for the 3-match T20I series against Ireland, will make a comeback in the ODI setup in the Asia Cup 2023. Prasidh Krishna too is likely to feature in the squad.

“Prasidh can generate pace and bounce and will give a new dimension to our pace attack. Before they pick the team for the Asia Cup, it will be nice if the selectors get to watch both Bumrah and Prasidh bowl in the opening T20I against Ireland on August 18,” the source told Times of India.

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Team India is expected to play their full strength XI in the Asia Cup 2023 as it will provide them an opportunity to prepare for the ICC ODI World Cup which is scheduled to be played in the months of October-November.