'Everyone wants a match-winner. Why do people talk about Dinesh Karthik?': Ex-India cricketer on Samson's Asia Cup snub

Mohammad Kaif explained Sanju Samson’s exclusion from Team India’s Asia Cup 2022 roster and also had special praise for veteran Dinesh Karthik.

Updated on: Aug 17, 2022, 17:01:07 IST

By Neelav Chakravarti

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After missing out on Team India's Asia Cup 2022 roster, Sanju Samson will be aiming to prove his critics wrong in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, starting Thursday in Harare. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain has been included for the three-match ODI series as one of India's wicketkeepers, along with Ishan Kishan. Many fans were left questioning the selectors' decision to not include Samson in India's Asia Cup squad, especially after his displays in the West Indies recently, and also in IPL 2022. Speaking to Hindustan Times during a brief interaction, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif weighed in on Samson's Asia Cup snub, explaining the reason that led to the selectors' call.

Sanju Samson and Dinesh Karthik during a practice session for Team India. (AFP)

"How many wicketkeepers can we even take? We have Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik. This is the problem for the selectors. You talk about Virat Kohli, KL Rahul or Rohit Sharma. Suryakumar Yadav is set at no. 4 with Pant at no. 5, Pandya at no. 6, and then there is Dinesh Karthik also. Will he get a chance? We don't know that yet. There is stiff competition in the Indian team right now", he said.

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Kaif mentioned that Samson will need to have an impact like Karthik and play more match-winning knocks, without which his India future looks bleak. "I would tell Sanju Samson to perform good when given the chance. He did good in the West Indies, where he played match-winning knocks. If you play match-winning knocks, then you make your name," he added.

"Why does everyone still talk about Dinesh Karthik? He bats lower down the order and has also finished many matches. He was there till the last over, he was there to play the winning hit in the last over. This stays in the head and everyone wants a match-winner, someone who can win you a game. Samson has performed well recently against the West Indies and he will get his chance. These days, whenever a squad is made, his name is usually there. It's good that he is there. The competition is a lot so it is not an easy job for the selectors".

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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