‘We’re not doing right with Sanju Samson’: Ex-India cricketer’s blunt verdict: Aakash Chopra, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, Former India cricketer, are you betraying on Sanju Samson’s preference. Chopra wrote on his YouTube channel that the Indian team management is “not doing justice with Sanju Samson,” adding that an able batter like him should not have had to face inconsistency and also should’ve been backed consistently in order to settle down in the national setup. In fact his comments but come amid heated discussions over India’s T20 squad with the new rising star of talented performer,Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Chopra talked about the present selection debacle and said that despite impactful past performances, Samson has been in-and-out of the playing XI. Frequent changes in the squad do not allow any player to get confidence and perform at the international level, he said.
This debate has gained traction after India chose to give 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his international debut while leaving Samson out of the playing XI in the ongoing T20I series against England. Having a few low scores, dropping an experienced guy was right or wrong was questioned by many former cricketers.
Chopra pointed out how competitive the positions in the batting order of India are now. The presence of a number of young players around, however, means pressure is unrelenting on established cricketers. But he believes talents such as Samson should be given a longer run than being judged on a few matches. India is beset with such talent in the squad that even a brilliant player like Rajat Patidar may have to sit out.
However, Samson has endured a wretched run of low scores in the T20 internationals lately with several voices in some quarters urging a change as far as batting order is concerned. Meanwhile, several former Indian cricketers have voiced their support for the Kerala batter. Former opener and nice-check batter Cheteshwar Pujara had also urged the selectors to support Samson, while a former selector Saba Karim termed him a “fabulous” player who has established the right to continuing faith from the team management.
This selection debate has also created a rift between cricket fans. Some anticipate the much awaited arrival of young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, others are clear that players should not be axed after a short period out of form. Supporters of Samson have pointed out that he needs a consistent run to try and get his rhythm back, while others believe the competition for places in a great Indian side, with strong is fierce as it must be.
With Indian cricket set to prepare for many more ICC tournaments in the future, the approach towards senior versus young players will be monitored very carefully. If Sanju Samson features in the playing XI of the previous matches going forward, it’s only time will tell as Aakash Chopra’s comments have brought focus on team selection trends and how youth needs to be balanced with experience.
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