India does not have a dearth of quality batsmen, so it is not easy for any new batsman to get a chance. Sanju Samson has learned this lesson in a hard way as he has struggled to get opportunities despite impressing everyone in domestic cricket. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman made his debut in 2015, but since then, he had to wait for his chances.
Samson was left on the bench throughout the T20I series against Bangladesh and West Indies. When chances are so hard to come, you need to grab those opportunities, but Samson has failed to do so. The youngster finally got his chance against Sri Lanka, and he started brilliantly by hitting a six. The adrenaline seemed to get to him as he got out on the very next ball to waste the opportunity.
The 25-year-old got another chance thanks to the injury of Shikhar Dhawan. The fact that Samson was part of India ‘A’ team, which was in New Zealand worked in his favour, and he came in as a replacement. The Indian team management decided to experiment in the fourth ODI after taking an unassailable lead in the series. Samson who had come as a replacement for Rohit Sharma came to open the innings with KL Rahul.
Sanju Samson displayed his class by hitting an amazing flick shot for a six of the bowling of Scott Kuggeleijn. The youngster tried another big shot, but this time he just managed to sky the ball, and Mitchell Santner took a brilliant catch. The Kerala batsman seemed to be upset about the shot as he had a great chance to impress selectors ahead of T20 World Cup this year.
If Samson wants to cement his position in the team, he needs to make most of the chances like these. The fans of Sanju Samson also recognized the importance of the opportunity and they expressed their disappointment on Twitter.
Am i The Only One who wanted Sanju Samson to well Today?
He’s a genuinely Masterclass player & His Effortless Stroking Ability is Just Wow..#NZvsIND
— jay (@JayAlodariya_) January 31, 2020
Sanju Samson – Strike Rate by Batting Position in T20s
Opener – 132.2
#3 – 128.6
#4 – 116.6
#5 – 129.2Can he cash in on this opportunity at the top of the order today? #NZvIND
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) January 31, 2020
We should keep backing him now.. kohli about Sanju.. better feeling it is. #sanjusamson
— Albert (@AlbertMltm) January 31, 2020
https://twitter.com/nishant4_king/status/1223148962950987776?s=19
https://twitter.com/nishant4_king/status/1223150388762660865?s=19
Rishabh Pant after watching Sanju Samson’s inning : ? pic.twitter.com/SvOBd05CEx
— Rahul (@iamRahul66) January 31, 2020
It takes years and years of hard work for an athlete to reach international stage. It is important for him/her to grab the limited chances, it is equally important not to write them off after a couple of chances #SanjuSamson
— Gaurav (@gauravrathore81) January 31, 2020
https://twitter.com/nakuldevs12/status/1223150469528162306?s=19
https://twitter.com/imrahul_01/status/1223133299964383233?s=19
SANJU SAMSON PLAYS A LOOSE SHOT AND THREW HIS WICKET ONLY IN 2ND OVER.
LE RISHABH PANT* pic.twitter.com/2mq7M24wlf
— SHUBMON GILL (@shubmon) January 31, 2020
