Shikhar Dhawan reveals reason for leaving out Sanju Samson in second ODI against New Zealand

Sanju Samson was dropped for the recently-concluded second ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The decision irked his fans and they ranted out on Twitter mercilessly. Meanwhile, the game has been abandoned only after 12.5 overs of play. After the game, India’s stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan explained the reason behind Samson’s exclusion. He said that the team was looking for a sixth-bowling option.

“We wanted the sixth bowler to come in, so Sanju Samson missed out and Hooda came in. And Chahar was picked because he can swing the ball really well, and in both directions,” said Dhawan.

However, none of them worked as the team batted for 12.5 overs, lost one wicket and the game was abandoned due to rain. The first rain break came at a time when the team had scored 22/0 in 4.5 overs. After hours of rain, the ground staff managed to make the ground fit for play. At this stage, the game was reduced to 29 overs a side. However, after 12.5 overs, the rain returned and made sure that the game doesn’t get completed.

With this result, the Kiwis can’t lose the series as they are leading the three-match series by 1-0.

New Zealand becomes World’s Number One ODI side

Meanwhile, the Blackcaps have become the World Number One ODI team. In reaction to this, skipper Kane Williamson said that even though rankings keep floating, it also explains the hard work a team has put.

“Rankings float around a little bit, but at the same time, it recognises the hard work we have been doing. You always try to get better, and everyone you come against are tough. You don’t think about such things though,” Williamson said after the game was abandoned.