Former Indian middle-order batter Suresh Raina is known for his opinions and suggestions on world cricket and its players. The T20I World Cup is all set to happen this year in June, to be jointly hosted by the USA and West Indies. Meanwhile, Raina has picked a player who could be the x-factor for team India in the upcoming event.
Former Indian batsman Suresh Raina has expressed support for Sanju Samson to secure a spot in the T20 World Cup squad as the wicketkeeper-batsman. Raina believes that the talented player from Kerala has the capability to serve as the X-factor for the Indian team in the tournament.
Sanju Samson made his T20I debut for the Indian cricket team in 2015. However, the batter has struggled to establish a permanent position in the squad. Despite being a stylish and dynamic batsman, he has faced inconsistency in getting opportunities to showcase his skills, and he has also faced exclusion from the squad for various ICC events.
Suresh Raina said, “Sanju has made a wonderful hundred against South Africa recently. He is definitely a captain material as his mind is ticking all the time while on the field. We have some very good options for the wicketkeeper-batter role — KL Rahul, Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Pant whenever he comes back after getting fit.”
Rainan believes that Sanju Samson has the chance to show his skills in the ongoing three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and then in the IPL 2024.
“I prefer to have Sanju in the middle-order because he has a lot of shots. He plays those pick-up shots against pacers from the length. Hopefully, he performs well in the IPL too before the selectors sit down to select the team for the T20 World Cup.
So, it is a good chance for Sanju against Afghanistan, and he can be our X-Factor in the World Cup,” he stated.
In a recent development, the 29-year-old cricketer showcased his prowess by scoring an impressive century against South Africa in the third ODI. Batting at the number 3 position, he amassed 108 runs off 114 balls which includes 6 fours and 3 sixes.