• Source:JND
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India tested a bunch of combinations in the second and third ODI against West Indies but the clear picture of Men in Blue's ODI playing 11 will be evident in the next month's Asia Cup. Talented batter Sanju Samson got a chance in the last two ODIs of the series and played an impactful knock of 51 off 41 balls making him a strong contender for the World Cup squad.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif feels that Samson is ready to play the ODI World Cup this year as his fifty came under pressure in the series decider against West Indies.

The veteran cricketer also flagged that sending wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel in the middle-order is not a suitable option for the team ODIs.

"I am massively impressed by Samson. He played an impactful knock, whether at four or five, he has done it in the past," PTI quoted Kaif as saying at the book launch event in New Delhi on Wednesday.

"Sending Kishan or Axar Patel in the middle-order is not a great idea. You need some who can play left-arm spin, leg spin and Samson can do that. His knock in the third ODI came under pressure and he is ready for the World Cup," he added.

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Shubman Gill and Kishan opened innings for India in the three-match series and it was the only consistent batting position in the series for the visitors. All batters had to switch their batting role in the series as part of India's experimental strategy.

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah will lead India in the three T20Is against Ireland after a long hiatus of over 10 months. The pacer will prove his fitness in the tour before the crucial tournaments.

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Kaif believes India will fail to lift the home World Cup if Bumrah is not fit for the showpiece event. He also mentioned that the absence of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul does not make them a strong team on paper.

"The players who are injured, India's chances in the World Cup will depend a lot on that (their comeback). Bumrah is coming now after a long injury lay off and we will get an idea on how fit he is. India need a fully fit Bumrah to do well in World Cup at home. In the bowling department, you can't have two teams. If Bumrah doesn't play we will lose, like we did in Asia Cup T20 and 2022 T20 World Cup. We don't have his back up," said the 42-year-old.

"At the moment the team is not looking the strongest on paper as it is missing key players including K L Rahul, Pant, Iyer and the biggest factor is Bumrah," he added.