'Show an unluckier wicketkeeper-batter' - Twitter disappointed as India leave out Sanju Samson for first West Indies ODI

Flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson missed the chance to be part of India's playing XI in the ODI opener against West Indies at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. Instead, the team opted for the likes of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav in the middle-order.

Although Samson has shown exceptional performances in recent opportunities in the ODI format, scoring an impressive 330 runs in 11 matches at an average of 66, he has not been chosen on a consistent basis in the Indian team.

Meanwhile, it was intriguing to witness Kishan, who usually opens the innings, being selected as a middle-order batter for this game. However, his skills and versatility in various positions could be seen as an advantage for the Indian team. On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav, despite having a hat-trick of golden ducks in his last three ODIs, managed to retain his spot in the team for the series opener.

Following the announcement of the playing XI, cricket followers took to Twitter to express their frustration with the management's decision to drop Samson as many loyal felt that the Kerala batter deserved a spot in the XI. It is evident that Samson has won over the hearts of cricket enthusiasts with his brilliant batting prowess, and his exclusion from the team raised eyebrows among followers of the sport.

Samson last played an ODI against New Zealand in November 2022 during India's tour to the nation. It remains to be seen whether he will get another opportunity in the upcoming matches, with two matches still to come in the West Indies series.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Sanju Samson's Exclusion from Playing 11: