Dhruv Jurel Selected as India’s Backup Wicket-Keeper Ahead of Sanju Samson for Australia ODIs. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has criticized chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee for picking Dhruv Jurel over Sanju Samson for India’s upcoming ODI series against Australia.
On October 10, 2025, Kaif expressed his disagreement with the decision, acknowledging Jurel’s potential but asserting that Samson would have been a stronger choice for the middle-order role.
The selection has sparked widespread debate on social media, with fans and cricket experts discussing the team’s composition, particularly in the middle of the batting order.
While Mohammad Kaif praised Jurel’s talent and recent performances, he emphasized that it should not come at the expense of Samson’s consistent contributions and specialized skill set.
“I feel that Dhruv Jurel played really well when he scored that century against West Indies. He looked compact and organized, and he is definitely the future of Indian cricket with the ability to score in every match. But leaving out Sanju Samson was a wrong decision because Sanju typically plays in the lower order, around number five or six, and for that position, he is a much better option than Jurel,” Mohammad Kaif stated on his social media channels.
Mohammad Kaif: Sanju Samson Is the Ideal Fit for India’s Middle Order, Top 10 IPL Six-Hitters
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif praised Sanju Samson’s prowess against spin, highlighting it as a key reason he’s well-suited for India’s middle order in ODIs—especially in challenging conditions like Australia.
“At that position, you need someone who can clear the ropes, particularly against spinners. We saw Sanju Samson’s power in the Asia Cup. In Australia, he could have taken on Adam Zampa and sent the ball for sixes. He’s among the top 10 six-hitters in IPL history and fits perfectly at number five or six in Australian conditions,” Mohammad Kaif explained.
He added, “Right now, we focus too much on recent form—how well Jurel played, for instance—and forget players like Sanju, who have been consistently performing and truly deserve a place.”
Samson has featured in 16 ODIs for India, amassing 516 runs at an average of 56.66, including three fifties and a century. His highest score, 108, came in South Africa.
