Sanju Samson was not picked in the playing XI during the three-match T20I series with captain Hardik Pandya explaining it to be an "unfortunate" case and "strategic" reason. He was however given a chance in the first ODI earlier this week where he scored a 38-ball 36 while stitching a crucial 96-run stand alongside Shreyas Iyer that helped in India's revival. But Samson was dropped yet again, on Sunday, for the second ODI to make way for greater bowling depth and the decision left fans fuming at captain Shikhar Dhawan and head coach VVS Laxman. (India vs New Zealand Live Score 2nd ODI)
There was criticism over India featuring just five bowlers for the opening ODI where the visitors lost by seven wickets. Hence, India made two changes for the second match. "Instead of Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar comes in and Deepak Hooda comes in place of Sanju Samson," said Dhawan after losing the toss.
The decision to drop Samson yet again left Indian cricket fans disappointed as they lashed out at the skipper and at BCCI, alleging them of “favoritism”. Here is bow Twitter reacted…
"We would have bowled first as there's moisture in the wicket. Even in the last game the wicket was seaming for the first 10-15 overs, we got to keep the positive intent and go for the runs," Dhawan added after India were put to bat first. "We only need 10 percent of improvement and it makes a huge impact and especially in the death bowling, we got to be a bit more smarter."
{{/usCountry}}"We would have bowled first as there's moisture in the wicket. Even in the last game the wicket was seaming for the first 10-15 overs, we got to keep the positive intent and go for the runs," Dhawan added after India were put to bat first. "We only need 10 percent of improvement and it makes a huge impact and especially in the death bowling, we got to be a bit more smarter."
{{/usCountry}}Teams:
India (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan(c), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
New Zealand (Playing XI): Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson(c), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson