Sanju - players.bio

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav Shows Sanju Samson's Photo, Fans In Kerala Go Berserk

Sanju Samson's name was widely discussed ahead of Indian squad selection for the T20 World Cup in Australia. However, the talented wicketkeeper-batter did not make it to the squad. With less than a month to go for the 2022 T20 World Cup, the Indian cricket team has entered the final phase of its preparation. Starting Wednesday, the Rohit Sharma-led side will play its last series ahead of the marquee event in Australia. India's three-match contest against South Africa starts in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - Samson's home state. While he is not part of the India squad for the South Africa series, his fan-following was evident from a recent video that has gone viral on social media.

India vs South Africa: Shreyas Iyer in for injured Deepak Hooda

Hooda, suffering from a back injury, has not travelled with the Indian team. It is learnt that he has instead travelled to National Cricket Academy (NCA). He will be replaced by Shreyas Iyer.

2nd unofficial ODI: Kuldeep, Prithvi shine as India A win series

Kuldeep may not be part of India's World Cup T20 squad but the 27-year-old showed his potential with the ball. Brought into the attack in the 14th over, Kuldeep kept bowling in the right areas. However, success came his way in the final spell.

In-form Rajat Patidar in focus ahead of 2nd India ‘A’-NZ ‘A’ one-dayer

Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants followed by an innings of 58 in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals made many take notice of his splendid timing and big match temperament. Subsequently, the 29-year-old from Indore switched to red-ball format for Madhya Pradesh with scores of 85 and 79 in the Ranji Trophy knockouts against Punjab and Bengal respectively. If that wasn’t enough, Rajat scored 122 and 30* in the Ranji final against Mumbai.

India A vs New Zealand A, 1st Unofficial ODI: Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Sen As India A Thrash New Zealand A

A superb performance by medium-pacers Shardul Thakur (4 for 32) and Kuldeep Sen (3 for 30) helped set up a seven-wicket win for India 'A' against New Zealand 'A' in the first unofficial ODI on Thursday. Sent in to bat by India 'A' captain Sanju Samson, incisive bowling by Thakur and Sen had the visiting team in trouble from the start. At one stage, the New Zealanders looked in danger of being bundled out for less than 100 but some rearguard action by Michael Rippon (61, 104 balls, 4 fours) and Joe Walker (36, 49 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) helped them post 167 in 40.2 overs.

Watch: India A Captain Sanju Samson Receives Rousing Reception From Crowd During 1st ODI In Chennai

India A are currently squaring off against New Zealand A in a three-match unofficial ODI series. The ODIs are being followed by a three-match Test series, which India A won 2-0. The hosts also lead the ODI series 1-0, having defeated the visitors by seven wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. The second and third ODIs will be played at the same venue on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively. After electing to bowl, India A bundled out New Zealand A for 167 in 40.2 overs.

Shardul, Patidar star in India 'A' win over New Zealand 'A'

Shardul and Kuldeep left the Kiwi side reeling at 27 for 5 within 7.3 overs of the clash. Shardul started the slide for the visitors by cleaning up opener Chad Bowes (10) in the 3rd over. Kuldeep, operating from the other end, too kept a tight leash on the batsmen.

"Finding A Place In Indian Team...": Sanju Samson, Not Picked For T20 World Cup, Speaks On Road Ahead

Sanju Samson believes that in past few years he has prepared himself in a manner that no one terms him a one-dimensional cricketer. The dashing Kerala keeper-batter has missed the T20 World Cup ticket but understands that getting into the elite 15 of the national team is more challenging than ever with the kind of quality that Indian cricket is churning day in and day out. "Playing different roles is something I have worked on for a lot of years. I am confident of batting anywhere in the order." Samson believes that to be successful, one needs to be flexible. You should not fix a spot for yourself. You cannot tell people: 'I am an opener or I am a finisher.' In the last three-four years, playing in various roles and spots (in the order) has added a new dimension to my game," he added.

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Sanju Sport News

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav Shows Sanju Samson's Photo, Fans In Kerala Go Berserk

India vs South Africa: Shreyas Iyer in for injured Deepak Hooda

2nd unofficial ODI: Kuldeep, Prithvi shine as India A win series

In-form Rajat Patidar in focus ahead of 2nd India ‘A’-NZ ‘A’ one-dayer

India A vs New Zealand A, 1st Unofficial ODI: Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Sen As India A Thrash New Zealand A

Watch: India A Captain Sanju Samson Receives Rousing Reception From Crowd During 1st ODI In Chennai

Shardul, Patidar star in India 'A' win over New Zealand 'A'

"Finding A Place In Indian Team...": Sanju Samson, Not Picked For T20 World Cup, Speaks On Road Ahead