Sanju Samson, a player often celebrated by his fans on social media for his potential and talent, now finds himself at a critical juncture in his T20I career. After being brought into the team due to the injuries of key players, Samson has registered two consecutive ducks against Sri Lanka, a performance that has drawn significant criticism and put his place in the team under severe scrutiny.
Performance Overview
In the second T20I, Samson, stepping in for the injured Shubman Gill, was clean bowled on the very first ball he faced. In the subsequent match, replacing Rishabh Pant, he was dismissed after facing just four deliveries, slicing a catch to Chamindu Wickramasinghe. These back-to-back failures have intensified the debate around his position in the team, especially given the limited opportunities and intense competition for spots in the Indian lineup.
Expert Opinions
Former India pacer Tinu Yohanan highlighted the pressure and lack of consistent opportunities that Samson has faced throughout his career. “He debuted about 10 years ago and after that he has been (playing) on and off. He didn’t get a long run at any time. Each game is like a do-or-die game for him,” Yohanan said, stressing the need for backing and a longer run for Samson to truly showcase his abilities.
Contrasting IPL Success
Interestingly, Samson’s performances in the IPL, particularly with the Rajasthan Royals where he serves as captain, paint a different picture. His leadership and batting prowess often shine through in the franchise league, raising questions about why this form does not translate to the international stage. Samson’s standout century against South Africa at Paarl earlier this year is one of the few memorable international knocks to his name.
Current Scenario
As it stands, Samson is aware of the fierce competition within the team, with Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma also vying for the wicketkeeper-batsman spot. Yohanan believes Samson needs an environment where he can play with a free mind, much like in the IPL, to perform at his best. “He scored a century in his last ODI (against South Africa) and now he hasn’t been picked in the ODI squad. He has reached a point where he doesn’t think about it too much. He just goes game by game,” Yohanan added.
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