R Ashwin Issues Stern Warning to Team India Over Sanju Samson's Position
Former India all-rounder R Ashwin has delivered a strong message to the national cricket team, urging them to avoid making hasty changes by dropping Sanju Samson in favor of Ishan Kishan. This comes amid growing speculation about the opening slot as India prepares for the return of injured batsman Tilak Varma following his recovery from abdominal surgery.
The Selection Dilemma: Samson vs. Kishan
With only one wicket-keeper likely to feature in the playing XI once Varma is back, the competition between Samson and Kishan has intensified. Despite Samson's recent twin failures in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, Ashwin has emphasized the need for patience and consistency in team selection.
"It's way too early to think of dropping him," Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel. "If India keeps doing such circus acts by playing Sanju when he did well before, and now Kishan because he's playing well now, I don't have to tell how it'll end for India. It's not ideal inside the dressing room."
Ashwin's Defense of Samson's Approach
Ashwin defended Samson's aggressive dismissals in the first two T20Is, arguing that penalizing a player for playing attacking cricket could hinder their potential. "This opening combination has been reverted only for the last two games. A player has got out playing an attacking shot. If you penalize him for that and bench him, how will you witness the best of that player?" he questioned.
He further explained, "It wasn't that there was a rush of blood or that he wasn't calm. He just saw the ball and went for it. That's how you should instinctively bat, but it just didn't go his way."
The Context of Samson's Recent Role
Samson was reinstated as an opener in the T20I setup during the South Africa series in December, following a stint where Shubman Gill held the position for nearly 15 matches. His performance in Ahmedabad prompted selectors to drop Gill from the T20 World Cup squad, placing faith in Samson as the first-choice wicket-keeper and opener alongside Abhishek Sharma.
However, Kishan's impressive 76-run knock in Raipur has added pressure, making the upcoming matches crucial for both players.
Expert Opinions on the Crucial Phase
Former India opener Aakash Chopra highlighted the significance of the third T20I in Guwahati, calling it potentially "the most important match of Sanju Samson's life." He noted, "This is the third match, Tilak Varma might be available after this match, and you might see him playing the match on the 28th. Then only one of Ishan Kishan and Sanju will play."
Ashwin reiterated his stance on maintaining stability, saying, "There is a lot of competition for places, but it's too early for this change." His comments underscore the broader debate about team management and player confidence in high-stakes cricket.
As India navigates this selection conundrum, the focus remains on balancing form, potential, and team harmony in the lead-up to key tournaments.
