It is good news that Sanju Samson is back in ODIs: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh recently praised the selection committee's decision to include Sanju Samson in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. He expressed enthusiasm to witness emerging talents like Samson, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, and Deepak Chahar seizing opportunities in the 50-over format. Averaging over 55 in 12 ODI innings, Samson was chosen over Suryakumar Yadav for the Proteas series, marking an intriguing selection move.

Yadav's selection reconsideration followed a lacklustre performance, tallying just 106 runs across seven innings at an underwhelming average of 17.66 during the 2023 World Cup. Despite intermittent appearances in the Indian setup, the wicket-keeper batter's last ODI participation dates back to August in the West Indies, later featuring in the T20Is in Ireland. However, despite his consistent presence, he missed out on securing a spot in the World Cup squad. 

“There is Sanju Samson [in ODIs]. It’s good news. Wicketkeeper batter because he is always the topic of why Samson is not getting picked. I am happy to see Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Rajat Patidar getting opportunities. Deepak Chahar has made his comeback,” said Harbhajan on his YouTube channel.

Harbhajan shows disappointment over Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion from ODIs

The 'turbanator' expressed disappointment in the selectors for omitting Yashasvi Jaiswal from the three-match ODI series, believing the promising left-handed opener deserved a spot. He criticised the selection process for overlooking Jaiswal, who is yet to debut in ODIs. Jaiswal's impressive performances include 266 runs in two Tests at an average of 88.66, featuring a century and a half-century. Additionally, in T20Is, he has notched 312 runs in 11 matches, showcasing a century and two fifties.

“Let’s talk about Yashasvi Jaiswal. He is not part of this team. I think he should be part of this team [ODIs] as well. [He's] A quality and tremendous player. The team is looking at him in Tests and T20Is but not in ODIs. There are a lot of flaws (in the selection process) that I can’t fathom,” he added.