After Sanju Samson‘s continuous poor performance in the current Twenty20 International series against New Zealand, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has provided an assessment of the wicketkeeper-batter’s difficulties. The controversy over Samson’s place in India’s white-ball system was rekindled when he was dismissed for a first-ball duck in the third Twenty20 International at Guwahati, highlighting his inconsistency once more.
Knowing that there were few possibilities in a competitive Indian batting order, Samson had entered the series under pressure. The Kerala batsman has scored 10, 6, 0, and 24 in the four games so far against New Zealand, despite being backed as an opener earlier.
Even though India won the series handily, Samson’s individual performance has continued to be discussed. Samson has scored 262 runs with an average of 17.46 and a strike rate of 129, including one fifty, in his previous 15 T20I innings.
While acknowledging Sanju Samson innate talent, Pathan did not hold back from drawing attention to the persistent problem that has plagued him throughout his international career.
Additionally, I mentioned that Sanju Samson is an excellent player but inconsistent. We must acknowledge that he was inconsistent. Although he is a talented player, his inconsistent play was evident in each of the three games. Despite his inconsistency, Samson could score runs if given the opportunity in the upcoming game. Ishan Kishan has established himself as a contender and scored runs, demonstrating the importance of domestic cricket, thus he will be under pressure,” Pathan stated on his YouTube account.
The increasing battle for positions in India’s T20I XI is evident in Pathan’s comments. Kishan’s efforts have made a compelling case, and Sanju Samson is now more scrutinised going into the series’ next games.
The former India pacer also discussed how Shubman Gill’s comeback to the T20I lineup cast doubt on Sanju Samson position in the team. Sanju Samson place in the order changed, and his rhythm may have been impacted by the ambiguity. “Sanju Samson is not in form and it’s very noticeable.” He was once doing so well, so it’s awful for him. Then came Shubman Gill. He was kicked out of the side after falling down the order. Samson is now looking for form. Samson can lose his spot if the paperwork doesn’t arrive since Tilak Varma also returns,” he continued.
Sanju Samson is under much more pressure now that Tilak Varma is expected to return, particularly as Indian selectors value form and versatility in the shortest format.
Pathan went on to explain the significance of Kishan’s participation, saying that selection choices must continue to be based on performance: “Ishan Kishan was included to the team because Samson could be replaced if any player didn’t perform at the highest level. There will be pressure since Kishan is in form. Justice must exist. No one questions Samson’s performance. “I am aware that the team depends on performance, and Samson excels when given the chance,” Pathan remarked.
India has dominated the series despite Samson’s difficulties, winning the opening three games to take a commanding lead. The Men in Blue demonstrated the depth and adaptability of their T20 team by easily chasing down objectives of 209 and 154 in the following matches after winning the first one by 48 runs. India was bowled out for 165 after chasing down 215 in the fourth Twenty20 International.
Pathan also focused on India’s bowling, especially left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, whose performance has been scrutinised after a wicketless performance in Guwahati.
The performance of Kuldeep Yadav must also be examined. He’s becoming a little erratic. A lot of it has to do with confidence. In Guwahati, he went wicketless in three overs for 32 runs, demonstrating his exceptional skill. Kuldeep was also out of form during the ODI series. Daryl Mitchell dominated him with his style of play. He performed effectively on the back foot as well and prevented Kuldeep from throwing the ball up,” he continued.
Pathan urged Kuldeep to restore confidence and exert control over batsmen, highlighting that the spinner’s problems are more mental than mechanical.
“He needs to have more mental strength because it didn’t seem like he had many options. I don’t believe that skill is a problem. Kuldeep now bowls close to the stumps instead of away from them as he once did. Kuldeep will do better if he advances by developing his mental toughness,” he stated.
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