Samson is unlikely to be picked head of Pant for the third and final ODI against New Zealand.
Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull shared his views on the ongoing intense Sanju Samson vs. Rishabh Pant debate, as the Kerala star is getting very few opportunities with Team India, while Pant has been a frequent member despite low returns with the bat.
The commentator believes that Samson deserves a longer rope while highlighting his better average than Pant. Doull also said that there is no second thought about the fact that the left-hander is an unbelievable cricketer in Tests, but when it comes to limited-overs cricket, Pant falls behind Samson.
Notably, Pant has played 29 One-Day Internationals and scored over 850 runs at an average of 35, whereas Samson has only played 11 ODIs and scored 333 runs at an average of 66.
Simon Doull said on Cricbuzz: “Rishabh Pant's record is a decent sample size. He has played just under 30 games and only averages 35, the strike rate is good. But Sanju in 11 games is averaging 60 something. And I don't think he is any less of a wicketkeeper. I just think he deserves an opportunity as well.”
But Doull said that he is not convinced of Pant's place in India's white-ball team, especially as a wicketkeeper-batter.
He signed off by saying, “The Rishabh Pant vs Sanju Samson debate is an interesting one for me. There is so much talk about Rishabh Pant, and how he is the future. But in white-ball formats, he hasn't quite done it. Unbelievable Test player, and he is a shoe-in in Tests as the wicketkeeper-batter, no issue with that? But is he the best white-ball keeper batter? I am not convinced.”