Ex-India player discards Sanju Samson; picks Jaiswal, Sudharsan for 2027 ODI World Cup: But What does the Numbers Say?

Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has opined that Sanju Samson's inconsistency keeps him down in the pecking order for the World Cup 2027 selection.

Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, former Indian batter and domestic stalwart Wasim Jaffer shared detailed observations on India's top-order road map for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Weighing in on whether Sanju Samson fits into the long-term ODI plans as a backup opener, Jaffer emphasized that the middle-over demands of ODI cricket require sustained consistency and orthodox game management.

With India actively assessing core combinations for the next ODI World Cup cycle, Jaffer pointed out that while Samson possesses raw match-winning potential, other top-order candidates are better tailored for the length and technical requirements of the format.

"I do not see Sanju Samson as a backup opener for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, I think there's a slight issue of consistency with him. In one-day cricket, you require a bit more consistency because there is more time at the crease. Sanju has definitely scored a hundred in his last ODI, but he has played quite a bit of ODI cricket, and consistency has been an issue for him. I think India has a few better options than Sanju Samson. I feel Sanju should be left alone to play T20 cricket," Jaffer said.

On who could instead be the opener, Jaffer said, "Yashasvi Jaiswal, for sure. Sai Sudharsan, I feel, could do a fine job too. He has the technique for 50-over cricket, rotates the strike well, and plays very orthodox cricket. Shubman Gill is already there, and Ruturaj Gaikwad is another who plays in that mold.

In 50-over cricket, you need that strike rotation. We see how Virat Kohli does it: he rotates the strike and plays very orthodox cricket. That's what you need in 50-over cricket, and I feel these names are better equipped to succeed," he concluded.

Who has a better ODI Record?

When it comes to ODI cricket, Wasim Jaffer's verdict may have divided opinions. Both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan don't have a huge sample size, but they have done decently. Jaiswal has scored 285 runs in six matches, with two centuries to his name. Sudharsan has two fifties out of his three ODI innings and is in the race as well.

Sanju, on the other hand, possesses a stellar ODI record. In 16 matches, he has amassed 510 runs at an average of 56.67, which includes 3 fifties and a hundred. His last ODI appearance for India was in 2023, and his last innings was a score of 108 against South Africa in Paarl. Also, his four 50+ scores have come not as an opener, but as no. 3 and at the middle order.