Sanju Samson’s highly anticipated homecoming in Thiruvananthapuram turned into a cricketing nightmare, leaving fans and critics alike questioning his place in the squad ahead of the Men's T20 World Cup. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this just a temporary slump, or is there a deeper issue at play? Let’s dive in.
The 31-year-old Kerala batter, who has struggled to find form in the series against New Zealand, failed to deliver in front of a packed Greenfield International Stadium on Saturday. Managing a mere six runs off six balls, Samson’s innings was cut short by Lockie Ferguson, exposing technical flaws that have become hard to ignore. His recent scores—10, 6, 0, 24, and 6—totaling just 46 runs in five T20Is, have only added fuel to the fire.
And this is the part most people miss: Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith didn’t hold back, bluntly criticizing Samson’s technique. “Someone’s got to grab hold of him,” Smith remarked on air, highlighting Samson’s tendency to play leg-side shots, which leaves him vulnerable to edges. “It’s guesswork,” Smith added, emphasizing the lack of a solid foundation in Samson’s approach. “Five pieces of evidence in this series alone,” he concluded, referring to Samson’s consistent struggles.
Samson’s dismissal in the final T20I was a microcosm of his recent woes. Attempting a lofted shot off a fullish delivery from Ferguson, he managed only a thick outside edge, with Bevon Jacobs taking a straightforward catch. The hometown crowd, expecting a hero’s performance, was left in stunned silence.
The pressure on Samson is undeniable, especially with Ishan Kishan’s impressive performances at No.3 as a replacement for Tilak Varma. Kishan’s form has sparked debates about whether he should open alongside Abhishek, potentially relegating Samson to the bench. Here’s the bold question: Is Samson’s spot in the squad now at risk, or can he turn things around in time for the World Cup?
Ahead of the fifth T20I, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak expressed confidence in Samson, praising his overall contributions and emphasizing the support staff’s role in keeping him mentally strong. However, Kotak acknowledged the lack of runs, a concern that cannot be ignored.
Meanwhile, India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was a strategic move to challenge his team ahead of the World Cup. Bowling with a wet ball, he noted, would be a valuable test of their skills.
What do you think? Is Samson’s technique fixable, or is it time to give Kishan a longer run? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
