West Indies vs India 2023

'To serve water?' - Fans react as Sanju Samson returns to Indian ODI team as squad for West Indies series revealed

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has returned to India's ODI squad as the teams for West Indies series announced on Friday.

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Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson (Source: Twitter)

Sanju Samson Sanju Samson (Source: Twitter)

Sanju Samson has returned to the Indian ODI squad as the Indian Cricket Board announced the teams for the West Indies series on Friday, June 23. The team's wicket-keeper batter has not been a regular due to inconsistent performances but has earned a spot this time after Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul were ruled out due to injuries. The Caribbean tour will be crucial for Samson with the World Cup approaching.

Ishan Kishan, who has underperformed in the last few matches, retained his place as another wicket-keeping option. CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad earns ODI call-up following impressive IPL 2023 performance.

Samson last played an ODI against New Zealand in November last year. On the other hand, Ruturaj made his debut last year but could not cement his place in the team. So the upcoming tour will allow him to prove his mettle. Suryakumar Yadav, who recorded three first-ball ducks against Australia in March, has also been included in the squad in the absence of Shreyas Iyer due to an injury.

Rohit Sharma will lead the side and Hardik Pandya named VC

With Rohit Sharma leading the side, he and Shubman Gill are expected to open the innings, followed by Virat Kohli at No 3. Surya might earn a spot in the middle order, but it remains to be seen who among Kishan and Samson will get the chance to feature. Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the vice-captain. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur are the other all-rounder options.

Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are two spinners. Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack in the absence of Mohammed Shami. Young pacers Umran Malik and Mukesh Kumar have also been included in the team. Meanwhile, Jaydev Unadkat, who was in the Test team for the WTC final, also found a place in the white-ball series.

India’s ODI squad for the West Indies series: Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Shardul Thakur, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.

Here's how fans reacted to Sanju Samson's return to the Indian ODI team:

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