The second ODI of India’s tour of West Indies 2023 witnessed a shocking event take place after current India skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli were rested and not included in the team’s playing XI. The decision came as a big surprise for Indian fans. However, despite the two of the modern-day greats not featuring in the game, what came in as a wave of happiness and excitement among cricket enthusiasts was the inclusion of talented wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson in the team.
It is worth mentioning that Sanju wasn’t part of the playing XI of India in the opening ODI of the three-match series, and the call by the Indian management not to include Sanju raised many eyebrows back then. The more startling thing that didn’t go down well with Sanju’s supporter was Suryakumar Yadav wearing his jersey during the contest. Although India won the match by five wickets, fans were bold enough to express their disappointment on social media.
Now when Sanju is part of the team for the second ODI with Hardik Pandya captaining the side in a turnaround of events, his admirers went berserk on Twitter, and best wishes messages poured in for the India wicketkeeper. The cricket enthusiasts even shared words of encouragement for the talented batter
Also READ: Twitter abuzz as Suryakumar Yadav sports Sanju Samson’s jersey in 1st ODI against West Indies
As far as Sanju’s India career is concerned, this ODI will mark Sanju’s 12th appearance in the 50-over format for Men in Blue. The Kerala batter has amassed 330 runs in 11 matches for national team so far, with a best score of 86 not out. He has also been a consistent performer in Indian Premier League (IPL), scoring 3888 runs in 152 matches. Sanju leads the Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise in the cash-rich league.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Sanju Samson’s inclusion:
Finnally Sanju Samson is playing 😭 pic.twitter.com/2nbcGMBEgf
— AV!29 (@SprotsLover29) July 29, 2023
Just saw my man Samson made it into the XIpic.twitter.com/tvX3SvWkmz
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) July 29, 2023
Best wishes to Sanju Samson! Grab your chance, no one deserves it more ♥️ #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/NgKsANArzR
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) July 29, 2023
Power of Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson. Rohit Sharma dropped for ignoring Samson in the first ODI.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) July 29, 2023
Finally sanju is in the playing 11🤞#indiavsWestindies #odi #Sanjusamson @IamSanjuSamson
— Tinu Thomas (@TinuTho16348338) July 29, 2023
Watching Ind Vs WIN cricket 🏏 because of #SanjuSamson is playing today. He deserve to in WC 2023 Playing XI too.
— Lal Krishna (@Lal_Krishna_Raj) July 29, 2023
Sanju Samson is back. Finally I can watch a cricket match.#INDvsWI#TheAshes2023 pic.twitter.com/dVim1wGlyB
— सनातनी (@sanatani95) July 29, 2023
Sanju Samson is back.❤️#SANJU
— why_edoッ (@but__whyy) July 29, 2023
Sanju Samson only one reason to watch #INDvsWI today !
— Ramy’s (@SteinBergRD) July 29, 2023
Delighted to see Sanju Samson playing today, he deserves it ♥️ #SanjuSamson@IamSanjuSamson#WIvsIND pic.twitter.com/Ey5vubX45j
— Paras Choudhary (@Parascx) July 29, 2023
Seniors players rested in this match. Hardik Pandya to lead the young side. Great opportunity for every player to showcase his talent especially Sanju Samson who gets a chance in absence of Kohli and Rohit. Hope Sanju Samson makes most of it.#INDvsWI
— Hitesh@02 (@Hitesh0210) July 29, 2023
#INDvsWI West Indies chose to bowl so that at least one team plays 50 overs 😬😉 #sanjusamson #BCCI
— Navdeep Pundhir 🇮🇳 (@ndpundhir) July 29, 2023
FINALLY SANJU SAMSON IS BACK IN SECOND ODI #INDvsWI 😊 pic.twitter.com/82II9vkv3m
— Prajapati Mehul (@Prajapa79087181) July 29, 2023
Finally aaj sanju samson ko mauka mil hi gya gun player at number 3,🫀 so exited .ab samson ko hi khelna chahiye 3 pr virat ka carrier khatm hai ab 💥
#INDvsWI— 🧤 (@vikramthakur49) July 29, 2023
#Fans #delighted #Sanju #Samsons #induction #Indias #playing #ODI #West #Indies
