India VS New Zealand: Sanju Samson and Umran Malik still ignored by selectors

Given India are in dire need of fresh blood in the T20I squad, it made little sense to leave out two players who many see as key in the format Sanju Samson and Umran Malik. 

On the surface, the decision not to play them made no sense. But on further analysis, it makes even less sense. 

For one, it’s pretty evident India doesn’t have a finisher. The idea around Rishabh Pant is to try him as an opener, and Hardik Pandya does not hit from the word go. 

In the absence of Dinesh Karthik, the only logical person for that slot would be Sanju Samson. He brings an impetus to the innings, can play all the shots in the book and does not hesitate to be aggressive. 

Many will argue that Sanju Samson is wasted lower the order, which might be a valid point. But he’s been told by the BCCI to start preparing for a finisher role. 

So what better time than now to test him out in that role? Especially since this is a series with no stakes and your designated finisher is both ageing and not a long-term option. 

But perhaps more glaring is the absence of Umran Malik. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer has flirted with the national team in the past but is clearly in need of more seasoning. 

However, that seasoning will only come when he plays top-quality opposition – and even former India head coach Ravi Shastri believed the time is right to start integrating him into the squad. 

“He is one of the fastest bowlers in India and you saw what happened in the World Cup where genuine pace rattled opposition, whether it was Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Anrich Nortje,” Ravi Shastri said to Prime Video.

“So, there is no substitute for genuine pace. Even if you are defending small totals, so this is an opportunity for Umran, hopefully, he will learn from this exposure.” 

It makes it all baffling that he was left out of this match. Only three T20Is in the series, and two are now done. 

Even if Umran Malik plays in the final match, how much good will that do him? Any player needs at least a somewhat sustained run in the side to prove their worth in the long run. 

It makes no sense to judge players by trying them out in dribs and drabs. Ironically, Sanju Samson has fallen into the same category; he’s never gotten a sustained run with the team and is still awaiting that run. 

Hopefully, the two get to play in the third T20I; otherwise, the whole point of even keeping such a series – one where the purpose was to test out newer players – is lost.