Lucky to get call to play for the country: Samson

Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, who replaced the injured Ambati Rayudu in the Indian squad for the remainder of the Zimbabwe tour, said he is happy and excited to don the country's colours.

Injury forces Rayudu out of Zimbabwe tour

"I am very happy and excited that I have been given a chance to play for the Indian team.

"The Indian team is the world's best team. I am very lucky to get a call to play for the country," he said.

He said Kerala Cricket Association president T C Mathew informed him about his selection and congratulated him.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who was unaware that he was named Rayudu's replacement, said he was at a loss of words when Mathew congratulated him.

"I asked him why I was being congratulated and he told me I had been selected to the Indian team," he said.

The young cricketer thanked the KCA for supporting throughout his cricketing career.

Samson plays for Rajasthan Royals in the cash-rich Indian Premier League.

A thigh injury forced Rayudu out of the Zimbabwe tour. He sustained it while playing the second ODI. He pulled his right quadriceps muscles and will need two to three weeks' rehabilitation.