Sanju Samson vs Shubman Gill: Indian cricket selectors on Saturday announced Team India for the home series against New Zealand and the upcoming T20 World Cup. The most surprising decision in this announcement was the exclusion of team vice-captain Shubman Gill. Now star wicketkeeper batsman Sanju Samson has confirmed his place in place of Gill, while the responsibility of vice-captain of the team has been given to all-rounder Akshar Patel.

Samson did wonders in 22 balls

Sanju Samson got lucky in the last match of the ongoing 5-match T20 series against South Africa. Shubman Gill got injured in his toe during net practice in Lucknow, after which Samson was given a chance as an opener. Samson grabbed this opportunity with both hands and impressed the selectors by playing an aggressive innings of 37 runs in just 22 balls. This inning not only gave a strong start to India, but also opened the doors of the World Cup for Samson.

Shubman Gill’s leave from the team

This is a big shock for Shubman Gill, who is considered the future captain of the team in T20 format. Due to his form for some time and now due to injury, the selectors have not given him a place in the 15-man squad. The appointment of Akshar Patel as vice-captain in his absence shows that the team management is now looking towards experience and consistency.

The old pair will return with Abhishek Sharma

This innings of Sanju Samson has made him the strongest contender as the opening partner with Abhishek Sharma. The selectors believe that Samson’s fearless style can give Team India an aggressive start in the powerplay. This news is no less than a celebration for the supporters of Sanju Samson, because for a long time there was a demand to give him continuous opportunities in the team. Now it remains to be seen how much Samson lives up to this trust in the World Cup.

Indian team’s squad for New Zealand series and T-20 World Cup

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dubey, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakraborty, Kuldeep Yadav, Rinku Singh.