Sanju Samson’s place in India’s T20I side has once again become a talking point after he failed to make a significant impact in the first match against Afghanistan. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 10 off eight deliveries before being caught at deep square leg, although India comfortably chased down Afghanistan’s 156/8 with 38 balls to spare.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra had backed Samson to get the opportunity ahead of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who had impressed in the preceding series against Zimbabwe. However, Samson’s early dismissal has given Chopra another reason to question how the situation could develop in the remainder of the series.
Aakash Chopra backs Sanju Samson despite early dismissal
Samson had started the chase alongside Abhishek Sharma but could not stay at the crease for long. He attempted to take on Azmatullah Omarzai before picking out the fielder at deep square leg. The dismissal added to a difficult recent run for Samson in T20Is. He has now managed only 43 runs in his last five innings, making his performances in the upcoming matches particularly important.
“I was focusing on only one guy, and that was Sanju Samson, because, thus far, we have been saying that a slight injustice has been done to him. You win the World Cup, and then you are left out after performing badly in two matches. However, he got out again. He was batting decently, but was caught in the deep,” Chopra said.
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Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s presence adds another dimension
Chopra also pointed out that Suryavanshi is waiting for his opportunity after performing well against Zimbabwe. The youngster was once again left out of the XI in Delhi, despite his recent form. Suryavanshi’s continued presence in the squad means Samson will have competition for his place if he fails to convert his opportunities. With India already 1-0 up in the three-match series, the wicketkeeper-batter will be keen to respond in the next game.
“So one innings has gone bad, and the innings are getting counted. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is sitting outside. There is already a question now because you made Vaibhav sit out after doing well in Zimbabwe. I was in favor of playing Sanju, but the pressure will keep mounting because the pressure will be there until Vaibhav keeps sitting out,” he concluded.