“People know what you can do, you just have to wait,” was Samson’s bold statement about his selection in the limited-overs squad versus West Indies. However, the 25-year-old didn’t make it to the T20 squad in all 3 games but his case still sits strong and will continue to bother the selection committee who are scouting for an appropriate middle-order batsman to handle the middle overs pressure in Australia next year (probably a No.4 batsman). It is not only the 20 over a squad that needs a specialist but the One Day team also needs someone to depend on.
Keeping all the necessities in mind, Sanju Samson can complete the jigsaw puzzle with his mind-blowing skills.
Following are the 5 reasons Samson should make into the playing XI :
1) CONSISTENT FORM:
Samson who has carried a terrific touch in the IPL 2018 where he scored 441 runs in 15 innings (highest score:92*), then in IPL 2019 where he scored 352 runs with the highest score of an unbeaten 102 runs. The Kerela wicketkeeper-batsman scored 410 runs in 8 innings during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2019-20, which included a record double century.
While talking about consistency Sanju said, “I have never thought of that (consistency) as an issue. What I have understood is that I am a bit different type of a player where I just feel that I should go and dominate the bowlers.”
2) RISHABH PANT NEEDS SOME MORE TIME:
Pant’s poor form has become the favorite subject for news articles, that have kept targeting the 22-year-old Delhi based wicketkeeper-batsman for his irresponsibility on the field. In such a situation it is ideal that the team replaces a young aggressive wicketkeeper with another of the same breed. Samson is fast and consistent behind the stumps. He also has a decent experience with the gloves.
3) IYER AND PANDEY ARE NOT TOTALLY DEPENDABLE:
Manish Pandey has been among the top run-scorers of the recent domestic tournaments but the 30-year old’s failures at crucial moments and regular injuries cannot be neglected. Whereas Shreyas Iyer has had his share of ample opportunities without any significant contribution. The recent 20 over series witnessed Iyer failing to make a strong mark. After recording their failures to boost the middle order, Sanju turns out to be a good option.
4) UNTESTED FLAMBOYANCE IS BETTER THAN TESTED MEDIOCRITY:
With about 10 months to the World T20, India still has a chance to award young talented players with a slot in the playing XI. Karthik and Pant have been mediocre at their jobs, whereas Samson is not really tested at the international stage. The management can just show faith and trust the 25-year-old to provide results soon.
5) HUNGER NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED:
Samson seems to be a very cool-headed batsman on the field but that doesn’t make him less passionate or aggressive. He has a certain amount of hunger to perform and this need for recognition has grown like cancer cells, faster with every passing second. After spending so much time around the circuit but not making it to the team has made the Kerela wicketkeeper-batsman aware if his competition. He will surely take this opportunity to shun all the doubts over India’s middle-order woes.
