The perfect candidate for No.4 in Indian batting lineup for upcoming World Cup 2019 still remains a much-debated topic. For a couple of years, team management tried several batsmen, but the position still hasn’t found a perfect fit.
After Sanju Samson’s century against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) yesterday, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir backed the 24-year-old to solve the no.4 conundrum for Team India.
In fact, not only did he back him for the coveted slot, he also called him the ‘current best wicketkeeper-batsman’ in India too. The two-time IPL-winning captain’s perceived jibe at MS Dhoni, who has been instrumental in India’s runchases of late, has not gone down well with fans.
Here’s what he tweeted:
I normally don’t like to talk about individuals in cricket. But seeing his skills I am glad to note that Sanju Samson is currently the best Wicketkeeper batsman in India. For me he should be batting number 4 in the World Cup @BCCI @rajasthanroyals @IPL @StarSportsIndia
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 29, 2019
‘Thala’ fans were in no mood to let this pass by and trolled Gambhir for his opinion:
What about thala? Advani type treatment needed imo
— babu bisleri (@PUNchayatiii) March 29, 2019
Is it?
This is Your jealously with Dhoni speaking
— भाईसाहब (@Bhai_saheb) March 29, 2019
Statistics don’t lie
Abe gadhe this year msd scores are
51
55*
87*
48*
1
59*
0
26Total 327 runs in 9 innings at 81 avg n won a MOS in Aus.And in t20s this year Msd is leading run scorer for Ind with 130 runs in 5 innings at 43 Avg .At 37 age Dhoni is batting better than so called his replacements
— Adithya (@Maheshaddict) March 30, 2019
That was harsh
Respected GG,
Whatever may be your views, mention/tag whomsoever you want. MAHENDRA SINGH DHONI is the wicketkeeper for India for World Cup 2019.
Just because you were kicked off the team doesn’t mean that’s gonna be the case for MSD.— Libin Thomas (@libinthomas2211) March 30, 2019
He is good sir, but not better than Dhoni. Atleast not by strategy wise and experience wise.
— Chowkidar Tanvi Shetty (@TanviShetty25) March 29, 2019
The left-handed opener also ignored number of players who have proved their mettle to earn the No.4 position. Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, Vijay Shankar, Ajinkya Rahane to name a few. Just one innings in the season, and Samson seems to created a spot at the top of Gambhir’s list. Curious that he ignored wicketkeeper-batsman Pant while picking the ‘best’ of the lot, someone who many considered as the next big thing of Indian cricket.
More reactions from Twitterati:
Putting him above MS, Rishabh and DK. If you had made this statement before yesterday’s match, I would have still considered. But after one knock?
Team is built over course of 4 years, not with one IPL game.
Good that you are in politics, and not playing anymore.— Abhishek (@abhishekr2502) March 30, 2019
Point to be noted
Isn’t this unfair to Rayudu now GG. I heard you said Rayudu has been treated unfairly a few days back lol. FYI, Samson’s list A average is 27. Never did enough to get in the team. You can do better than this lol. C’mon
— Saurabh (@imsgshinde2) March 29, 2019
Pant fans pic.twitter.com/UsHyMZEUPx
— Ashish (@iamAshishKohli) March 29, 2019
MSD, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant.
You want to take a person to World Cup who has never played an international game and put him at the crucial no. 4 spot?? Does that make good sense? He is good but not ready for this WC.
List A average: 27.36
First class average: 36.81— Deepesh Lakhotia (@CuriousBanker16) March 29, 2019
Are u considering him for 2019 World Cup ? No doubt, Sanju is a good batsman…. But Legend #Dhoni is still there.. After that Rishabh, DK and Vijay Shankar is for 4th slot…
Maybe Sanju Sampson will be considered for next #T20 world cup— दिल पे मत ले यार (@kal_Ho_naHo) March 30, 2019
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