Wasim Jaffer Rules Out Sanju Samson for 2027 ODI World Cup Role

During a candid chat on Doordarshan’s The Great Indian Cricket Show, former Test stalwart Wasim Jaffer laid out his thoughts on India’s top‑order blueprint for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The crux of his argument? Sanju Samson, despite his flashiness, doesn’t belong in the list of backup openers for the 50‑over showpiece.

Jaffer was clear and, honestly, a little blunt: “I don’t see Sanju Samson as a backup opener for the 2027 World Cup. Consistency is an issue for him in ODIs.” He explained that the longer format demands a steadier hand – someone who can occupy the crease for a solid stretch and rotate the strike with purpose.

Don’t get him wrong – Samson is a talent, no doubt. He has a hundred to his name in the limited‑overs arena and can turn a game on its head with a single boundary. Yet, Jaffer pointed out that in the 16 ODIs Samson has played, his scores have swung like a pendulum, making it risky to count on him as a safety net for the marquee tournament.

When it comes to formats, Jaffer believes Samson shines brighter in the rapid‑fire world of T20s. “He should be left to play T20 cricket,” he said, hinting that the aggressive, high‑risk style that makes him a crowd‑pleaser is better suited to the shortest version of the game.

To put numbers into perspective, Samson’s ODI record stands at 510 runs from 14 innings at a lofty average of 56.66, complete with three centuries and fifties. In T20 Internationals, however, he has amassed 1,432 runs in 66 matches, averaging 27.01, and has collected three T20I centuries along with six fifties. His crowning achievement this year was bagging the Player of the Tournament award at the T20 World Cup, where he piled up 321 runs in just five innings – a run‑fest that included three consecutive half‑centuries.

But Jaffer didn’t stop at criticism; he tossed out a shortlist of players he feels are more equipped for the 50‑over grind. “Yashasvi Jaiswal, for sure. Sai Sudharsan could also do a fine job. He has the technique, rotates the strike well and plays orthodox cricket. Shubman Gill is already in the mix, and Ruturaj Gaikwad fits that mould too,” he said.

He likened the ideal ODI opener to the way Virat Kohli navigates an innings – steady strike rotation, a solid defence, and the ability to accelerate when needed. “In 50‑over cricket, you need that strike rotation. That’s what these names bring,” Jaffer added.

While fans might feel a twinge of disappointment at hearing Samson’s name dropped from the World Cup conversation, the former domestic hero is simply laying out a realistic roadmap for a team that wants to field the most balanced side possible.

As India continues to fine‑tune its lineup for the upcoming World Cup cycle, the debate is sure to rage on. One thing remains clear: the selectors, guided by seasoned voices like Jaffer’s, will likely lean on consistency‑first options when the stakes are highest.