Sanju Samson’s omission from the home assignment sparked a fresh debate over his future with the Indian team. Skipper Rohit Sharma earlier this year underlined Samson’s abilities with the bat, saying the wicketkeeper-batter will be taken into consideration while selecting the T20 World Cup squad. But with plenty of alternatives at disposal, has Samson fallen off the team management’s radar?
Former India batter Mohammed Kaif feels Samson has got an impressive skill-set but needs to finish the matches. Kaif said the current Royals skipper should come down the order, which can help him thrive going forward.
“Samson has not done justice to the amount of talent he has got. He plays well in the IPL and gets good starts. But he is not consistent despite having that X-factor. He can win the game for India on his day. But I feel Samson can bat a bit lower. My suggestion to Samson would be that he should start finishing the games. I remember his one innings against Delhi Capitals where (Jos) Buttler got a century. Samson got four-five overs and got quick-fire 46,” Kaif said in a virtual interaction hosted by Sony Sports.
In 17 games for the Royals this year, Samson gathered 458 runs at an impressive strike rate of 146.79. The Kerala player will be next seen in action during the Ireland tour where India will play two Twenty20s at Malahide on June 26 and 28.
“Samson should come down the order and finish the game for India and Rajasthan in the future. He has got the talent and skill but hasn’t done justice. He has got the opportunity to play for India but has not grabbed it with both hands. Maybe now he will look to do that if he gets a chance.”
