Sanju Samson is definitely in our scheme of things for T20 World Cup: Chetan Sharma

India would be hoping to end their nine-year ICC title drought in the T20 World Cup 2022 that will be held in Australia in October-November this year. The Men in Blue will kick-start their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the iconic MCG on October 23. Meanwhile, the selectors are keeping an eye on the current performances to figure out which all players would make the final cut for the showpiece event, and lately, it has been reported that a promising wicketkeeper-batter is still in the scheme of things.

The player who is supposedly in contention is none other than Sanju Samson. Sanju has been included in India’s 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka starting February 24. The Kerala cricketer has been included in the squad as a stumper along with Ishan Kishan as regular wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been rested for the series. The first game will be played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow while the next two would be played at Dharamsala.

Samson was last picked for India for Sri Lanka tour in 2021

Sanju Samson was picked for the Sri Lanka tour last year when India’s second string side traveled to the island nation. Though he didn’t do well on that tour, the selectors have given him another chance. Moreover, Chetan Sharma, the chief selector has also said that Samson in their plans for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

“Sanju is in our scheme of things. Most importantly we have to see which is a cricketer who will be useful on Australian wickets. He is definitely in our scheme of things (for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year,” he said in the virtual press conference on Saturday (February 19).

Samson was last seen in action for the Men in Blue in the shortest format of the game during an away series against Sri Lanka in July 2021. Ever since his T20I debut in 2015, the 27-year-old has represented India in 10 matches having amassed 117 runs averaging 11.70 with his highest individual score being 27.

After winning two back-to-back home T20I series under Rohit Sharma, a spirited Indian team would now be eyeing a hat-trick when they host the Asian rivals and former T20 World Champions Sri Lanka next week. Sri Lanka defeated India in their last T20I series when COVID-19 had hit the visiting camp.