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"Sanju has lost his spot": Former Indian cricketer's take on Sanju Samson
In recent months, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has found himself at a crossroads in his T20I career. Samson’s place in the side now appears uncertain, as selectors and team management seem to be moving in a new direction.
It all began earlier this year during the Asia Cup, when Shubman Gill was recalled to the squad and immediately handed the vice-captaincy of the T20I side. Gill’s return made things difficult for Samson, who had been opening the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma in earlier matches. With Gill's return, Samson was pushed down the batting order. Speaking on the development, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif stated that it signals management's intent to groom Gill as a future leader.
“If Sanju Samson were playing, there would be no confusion, but with Shubman Gill as vice-captain playing in all matches, Sanju Samson seems sidelined. Jitesh Sharma is seen as a better finisher at number five or six than Sanju, which works in Sharma’s favour. But because Gill is being groomed as a future captain and player, Sanju has lost his spot. Sanju’s record is excellent, strike rate of around 150. But they are backing players by the batting number position now,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
In the ongoing five-match T20I series against Australia, Samson featured in the first two matches, but he was replaced by Jitesh Sharma in the next two games. India, meanwhile, are leading the series 2-1 with consecutive wins in the third and fourth games. The final T20I is scheduled to be played on Saturday at The Gabba.
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