‘I am massively impressed by him’ – Mohammad Kaif backs star batter to be included in ODI World Cup 2023 squad

The ODI World Cup 2023 is a few months away with India gearing up to host the tournament. The schedule, reported to undergo a few more changes lay the tournament out between 5 October and November 19. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is set to host the opener between England and New Zealand and the final of the marquee competition. Moreover, the clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan will also take place in the world’s largest cricket stadium.

Team India are currently engaged in their tour of the West Indies. They won the Test series 1-0 after winning the first Test at Dominica and drawing the second at Trinidad. Following their win in the Test series, they also clinched the ODI series 2-1 following their massive 200-run win in the decider ODI in Trinidad. Notably, star batter Sanju Samson was given two chances in the series. While he failed to impress in the first ODI, he scored a good half-century in the second. Impressed by his turnaround, former India batter Mohammad Kaif has batted for Sanju Samson to be included in the 2023 ODI World Cup squad.

‘He is ready for the World Cup’ – Mohammad Kaif on Sanju Samson

“I am massively impressed by Samson. He played an impactful knock, whether, at four or five, he has done it in the past. “Sending Kishan or Axar Patel in the middle order is not a great idea. You need someone who can play left-arm spin, and leg spin and Samson can do that. His knock in the third ODI came under pressure and he is ready for the World Cup,” the former cricketer was quoted as saying by PTI during the launch of Amrit Mathur’s book ‘Pitchside’ on Wednesday, August 2.

Notably, Axar Patel batted at number four in the second ODI against West Indies but he was dismissed cheaply. “At the moment, the Indian Team is not looking the strongest on paper as it is missing key players, including KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and the biggest factor is Jasprit Bumrah,” he added.