A former India cricketer has strongly criticized the team management's decision to drop Sanju Samson from the playing XI after India's loss in the second T20I against England. The ex-player, speaking on condition of anonymity, termed the move as 'harsh and counterproductive,' stating that it sends a negative message to the squad.
Samson's Omission Raises Eyebrows
Sanju Samson, who scored a quickfire 26 off 18 balls in the first T20I, was surprisingly left out for the second match, which India lost by 5 wickets. The decision came despite Samson being one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket and the IPL. The former cricketer said, 'Dropping a player after just one match, especially when he didn't fail, is baffling. It creates insecurity in the team.'
India's batting lineup faltered in the second T20I, managing only 148 runs, and England chased it down with 4 balls to spare. Samson's exclusion was seen as a major factor, as his aggressive batting style could have made a difference in the middle overs.
Impact on Team Morale
The former cricketer emphasized that such decisions hurt team morale. 'Players need a consistent run to prove themselves. If you drop them after one game, they'll always play under pressure. This is not how you build a strong team,' he added. The comment echoes broader concerns about India's selection policy, which has often been criticized for being too reactive.
Data from the last two years shows that Samson has an average of 45 in T20Is with a strike rate of 158, making him one of India's most effective finishers. Yet, he has been dropped multiple times after brief stints in the XI.
What Next for Samson and Team India?
With the series tied 1-1, the third T20I is crucial. The team management has not yet announced the playing XI, but there is growing pressure to bring Samson back. The former cricketer concluded, 'If they don't play him in the next match, it will be a clear message that they don't trust him. That would be a big mistake.'
