Wasim Jaffer believes there are stronger candidates available for the backup opener's role than Sanju Samson, as India gears up for the ODI World Cup challenge next year. Jaffer has suggested alternative names who better suit the demands of 50-over cricket.
Jaffer outlined his reasoning for overlooking Samson despite the wicketkeeper-batter's recent ODI century. Samson has played 16 ODI matches, accumulating 510 runs at an average of 56.67, which includes 3 fifties and 1 hundred. His most recent ODI century came
against South Africa in Paarl in 2023, when he scored 108.
However, Jaffer opined that Samson's inconsistency, despite being a match-winner, is not ideal in 50-over cricket.
"I do not see Sanju Samson as a backup opener for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, I think there's a slight issue of consistency with him," Jaffer said while speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show.
He elaborated on the specific demands of one-day cricket, explaining that the format requires sustained performance and the ability to bat deep into an innings.
"In one-day cricket, you require a bit more consistency because there is more time at the crease. Sanju has definitely scored a hundred in his last ODI, but he has played quite a bit of ODI cricket, and consistency has been an issue for him," Jaffer said.
Why Jaffer ruled out Samson for the 2027 World Cup
Jaffer's assessment highlighted that Samson's four 50-plus scores in ODI cricket came when he batted in the middle order, rather than as an opener. This distinction became central to Jaffer's argument that Samson lacks the track record needed for the opening position in World Cup cricket. The cricketer-turned-commentator concluded his assessment with a clear verdict on Samson's future in ODI cricket.
"I think India has a few better options than Sanju Samson. I feel Sanju should be left alone to play T20 cricket," he added.
Jaiswal and Sudharsan as Jaffer's preferred backup openers
Jaffer identified Yashasvi Jaiswal as his primary choice for a backup opener role. Jaiswal has already made an impact in ODI cricket, scoring 285 runs across 6 matches with 2 centuries to his name. Alongside Jaiswal, Jaffer backed Sai Sudharsan as another strong candidate for the position.
Sudharsan has featured in 3 ODI innings, recording 2 fifties during that limited exposure. Jaffer emphasised that Sudharsan possesses the technical foundation and tactical awareness required for 50-over cricket.
"Sai Sudharsan, I feel, could do a fine job too. He has the technique for 50-over cricket, rotates the strike well, and plays very orthodox cricket," Jaffer explained.
The importance of strike rotation in 50-over cricket
Jaffer also referenced Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad as established options already in India's ODI setup. Both players fit the profile of batters who combine orthodox technique with the ability to rotate strike effectively in the longer format.
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The former batter stressed the importance of strike rotation as a defining skill for ODI openers. He drew a comparison to how Virat Kohli manages his innings in 50-over cricket, balancing aggression with calculated shot selection.
"In 50-over cricket, you need that strike rotation. We see how Virat Kohli does it: he rotates the strike and plays very orthodox cricket. That's what you need in 50-over cricket, and I feel these names are better equipped to succeed," Jaffer said.
