Former Cricketer Questions Samson's Exclusion from T20 Setup
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has expressed serious concerns about Sanju Samson's future in the Indian T20 International team, indicating that the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter might be losing ground in the team's evolving hierarchy.
The warning comes as Samson remained on the bench during the last two T20I matches against Australia, with the team management preferring Jitesh Sharma as the wicketkeeper-batter in the lower middle order position.
Team Management Backs New Combination
Both captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir have endorsed the decision to play Jitesh Sharma ahead of Samson, signaling a potential shift in team strategy. Kaif, speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, didn't hold back in his assessment of the situation.
"If Sanju Samson were playing, there would be no confusion, but with Shubman Gill as vice-captain playing in all matches, Sanju Samson seems sidelined," Kaif stated clearly during his analysis.
According to the former cricketer, the Indian team management appears to be moving toward role-specific selections, and this strategic change might have cost Samson his place in the playing eleven.
Role-Specific Selection Hurts Samson's Chances
Kaif explained that Jitesh Sharma is perceived as a better finisher at number five or six compared to Samson, which works significantly in Sharma's favor. However, he emphasized that Gill's development as a future captain and key player has directly impacted Samson's position in the team.
The cricket analyst was quick to acknowledge Samson's impressive batting credentials, noting that the Kerala batsman maintains an excellent strike rate of approximately 150 in the format. Despite these strong numbers, Kaif observed that the team management is now backing players based on specific batting position requirements.
Samson had demonstrated excellent form earlier this year, scoring freely as an opener alongside Abhishek Sharma. However, the decision to fast-track Gill's leadership development has once again pushed the talented stroke-maker to the sidelines.
Limited Opportunities Ahead
With home T20I series against South Africa and New Zealand scheduled later this year, Samson's chances of reclaiming his spot appear increasingly limited. India's long-term T20 vision seems to have left one of the country's most naturally gifted batsmen fighting for relevance in the international setup.
The situation raises important questions about team selection policies and whether consistent performers like Samson are getting adequate opportunities to prove their worth in specific roles before being replaced by specialists.
