Reports: Sanju Samson sent home after KL Rahul recovers from injury

India are all set to lock horns with Pakistan in their first Super 4 fixture in Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday, September 10 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Ahead of the fixture, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been sent back to India as he’s no longer needed by the team. Notably, Samson was travelling with the team as a backup for injured KL Rahul who has regained full fitness and will be available for selection in the Super 4 stage.

Rahul wasn’t available for selection in the first two games of the competition due to a niggle and stayed back in India to continue his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. After recovering, Rahul joined the team in Sri Lanka and took part in his first practice session on Thursday, September 7.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, once Rahul proved his fitness, Samson, who’s not a part of India’s World Cup 2023 squad, has been sent back home. The Trivandrum-born cricketer has played 13 ODIs scoring 390 runs from 13 matches at an average of 55.71 and a strike rate of 104 with three fifties to his name.

With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the World Cup 2023 following his horrific car crash in December 2022, it was expected that Samson might get a chance to play in the marquee tournament. However, Ishan Kishan pipped him with his stupendous performances and with Rahul recovering from injury, Samson’s World Cup dream was crushed.

KL Rahul proves wicketkeeping fitness

Meanwhile, Rahul batted for long hours in his first practice session in Colombo. He further kept wickets the following day to erase all doubts on his fitness leading into the World Cup. The 31-year-old is expected to make a comeback to the squad in the upcoming clash vs Pakistan.

However, the team management will have a tough time finding a place for him as his replacement Ishan Kishan played a heroic knock of 82 (81) vs Pakistan in the group stage match of the tournament in Pallekele.