Sanju Samson in Line for ODI Comeback as Pant Faces Axe
The Indian team is preparing itself for the ODI World Cup 2027. Amidst this, Rishabh Pant is reported to be dropped from the ODI plans. And Sanju Samson, who has been in excellent form lately, remains in contention to make his ODI comeback.
Before the IPL started, the Indian Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir, said that a blueprint of the World Cup 2027 team would be given to them by the time when the tournament comes to an end. And now, some reports have started to arrive on the players who are in plans for the ODI setup and the ones who are likely to be dropped from the ODI team.
Rishabh Pant has struggled to find his form in the white ball format. Even in the IPL 2026, he has struggled to do well for Lucknow Super Giants with the bat. The reports claim that Pant is likely to be dropped from the ODI setup within the next few months. However, dropping Pant would also make the selectors think who could be the best possible replacement for him.
Sanju Samson in ODIs:
- Innings: 14
- Not Out: 5
- Runs: 510
- Average: 56.66
- Strike Rate: 99.60
- 100s: 1
- 50s: 3
And it seems that the selectors have already found the player who could fit this spot. And it is Sanju Samson, who has been in magnificent form lately in the white ball format. Winning the POTT award in the T20 World Cup 2026, the selectors are now willing to allow Samson to make his ODI comeback.
Our Take
The decisions which have been reported are yet to be finalised. But looking at the contrasting form of the two players, Sanju Samson has a higher chance to make it back to the ODI team. On the other hand, it will be a challenge for Rishabh Pant also, to showcase his worth to the team and make it to the ODI World Cup 2027.