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Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson (Image Source: Twitter)
Team India are currently in New Zealand for the three-match T20I series. After the 20-20 World Cup, senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have taken a rest. Even, their head coach, Rahul Dravid also took a rest from the series. So, VVS Laxman joined the team for this series. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya got the opportunity to lead the Men in Blue.
However, the first game of the series got abandoned on 18 November 2022 in Wellington due to heavy rain. Then, on 20 November, the Men in Blue took on the Kiwis in Mount Maunganui for the second match of the series. Speaking of the match, Kane Williamson won the toss and asked India to bat first.
Fans slammed Hardik Pandya for not picking Sanju Samson in the playing XI
However, fans were expecting to see Sanju Samson in the lineup for this encounter. But, Hardik Pandya confirmed that the wicketkeeper batter has failed to get a palace in the playing XI. It was shocking news for Samson’s fans. Before the first game, Sanju Samson was seen in great touch as he was seen hitting ‘No-look’ sixes at his will in a practice session. Even, after the first game got washed out, Hardik Pandya said that this series will be a great opportunity for the youngsters.
“These guys are young by age, but not by experience. They have played plenty of the Indian T20 League and got a good amount of Internationals as well. I think the youngsters of today don’t get intimidated by not having played too much cricket. If the situation demands, me and the more experienced players will play different roles, but this tour is for the new guys to get more clarity, opportunities, and a chance to express themselves. The World Cup is done, I’ve left it behind. The disappointment will be there, but we can’t go back and change things. We’re now looking forward to this series.” Hardik Pandya added. So, fans were not happy to see Sanju Samson out of the playing XI.
Here is how fans have slammed Hardik Pandya for not considering Sanju Samson in the team:
— Vinnu💗 (@imvinodnayak) November 20, 2022
No Sanju Samson! The @rajasthanroyals admin asst this point pic.twitter.com/66zSjOievV
— DS (@Wise_Cricket) November 20, 2022
Nhi khilaya 🥲
— Ashok meena (@Ashok99214011) November 20, 2022
Where #sanjusamson
— Vishvendra Paliwal (@VishvendraPali2) November 20, 2022
Shreyas Iyer over Sanju Samson again in T20s😭😭😭🤦🏾♂️
— Vasanthnathan (@vsvn7) November 20, 2022
He is not in the 11😭
— Anonymous Ambition (@anyambition1) November 20, 2022
Samson still not starting,we are no where moving forward still rewinding back to good old template.#Cricket #crickettwitter #SanjuSamson
— Sujith V (@Sujith1727) November 20, 2022
This is unfair With Sanju Samson in Indian team. #SanjuSamson
— Nitish (@CricNitish45) November 20, 2022