Asia Cup 2023: Sanju Samson likely to be dropped from India Squad

The Asia Cup 2023 is just around the corner, and speculations are rife regarding the composition of India's squad for the tournament. One name that is likely to be missing from the list is that of Sanju Samson, the talented wicketkeeper-batsman. Despite his recent failures during India's tour of the West Indies, where he struggled to make an impact, Samson's exclusion from the squad comes as a surprise to many.

Asia Cup 2023: A Hybrid Model
The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup, scheduled to start on August 30, will be held in a hybrid model. While Pakistan will host four matches, the remaining games, including the final on September 17, will take place in Sri Lanka. The tournament will be played in the ODI format, and India's first match is against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 in Pallekele.

Samson's Struggles in the West Indies
Sanju Samson's recent performances in the limited-overs series against the West Indies have not been up to the mark. In the three T20Is, he could only manage scores of 12, 7, and 13, while his performance in the final two ODIs was also disappointing, with scores of 9 and 51. These lackluster displays have raised doubts about his selection for the Asia Cup 2023.

The Selection Committee's Dilemma
The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faces a tough decision in finalizing India's squad for the Asia Cup. The shocking defeat in the T20I series against the West Indies has added to the pressure. According to sources, the committee is likely to announce the 15-member squad on August 20, and Samson's poor performance might cost him a place in the team.

Ishan Kishan's Rise and KL Rahul's Return
One of the main reasons behind Samson's potential exclusion is the emergence of Ishan Kishan as a strong contender for the wicketkeeper-batsman role. Kishan's impressive performances in the ODIs against the West Indies, including three consecutive centuries, have caught the selectors' attention. Additionally, if fit, KL Rahul is expected to return to the side as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman, further reducing Samson's chances of making the squad.

Samson's Batting Average in ODIs
Sanju Samson's career batting average in ODIs stands at an impressive 55.71, but his recent struggles and the competition for places have raised concerns about his selection. With Kishan's form and Rahul's potential return, the selectors might prioritize stability and experience, which could work against Samson.

Prasidh Krishna's Possible Inclusion
In a bid to strengthen the pace attack, the selectors might consider including Prasidh Krishna in India's squad for the Asia Cup. Krishna, along with the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, has been out of action due to injury for almost a year. However, both are set to make their comeback in the 1st T20I against Ireland on August 18. Krishna's ability to generate pace and bounce adds a new dimension to the pace attack, making him a strong contender for a spot in the squad.

Delay in Squad Announcement
While Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh have already announced their squads for the Asia Cup 2023, the BCCI has delayed the announcement to gather more information about the fitness of some key players. KL Rahul's fitness seems to be more certain, as he has been keeping wickets and participating in match simulations. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer, who underwent back surgery, is still not fully fit. The selectors and NCA's physios will assess the fitness of the players returning from the West Indies tour before finalizing the squad.

Conclusion
Sanju Samson's exclusion from India's squad for the Asia Cup 2023 seems likely due to his recent struggles and the emergence of Ishan Kishan as a strong contender. KL Rahul's potential return as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman further diminishes Samson's chances. However, with the final squad yet to be announced, there is still a glimmer of hope for Samson and other contenders to secure their spots in the team. As fans eagerly await the official announcement, the Asia Cup promises to be an exciting tournament filled with intense rivalries and thrilling cricket. Stay tuned for more updates on the squad selection and key developments leading up to the tournament.