Indian xi

T20 World Cup: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has weighed in on the ongoing debate about Sanju Samson’s place in the Indian playing XI. Despite Samson’s exclusion from the starting XI for India’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland, Manjrekar believes the wicketkeeper-batter has shown significant maturity and deserves a chance to showcase his talent on the world stage.

Manjrekar suggested that Samson could be an ideal replacement for Shivam Dube if the latter is not utilised for his bowling. "Absolutely right (Sanju should play as the better batter if Dube isn't going to bowl). I believe Sanju Samson has finally matured and this is the best Sanju Samson that India will get at the international level,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.

Echoing Manjrekar’s sentiments, former Zimbabwean cricketer Andy Flower also supported the idea of Samson featuring in the Indian XI. Flower emphasised that Samson's batting prowess could provide India with a crucial edge, especially against formidable opponents like Pakistan.