There is confusion and disappointment in how the BCCI treats Sanju Samson. There was a hue and cry on social media and other platforms about Sanju Samson‘s exclusion from the just-concluded ODI World Cup. His inclusion in the ODI team is a poor attempt to make amends though.
Sanju Samson has yet to be given a clear role in the team. In the 1st ODI against SA, he came to bat at number four. Where has he been placed on the batting order? With two more matches, one hopes Sanju Samson gets a chance to prove himself again.
Sanju Samson fans are praying that he makes an impression in this series. If you see past trends, one might not see him again in an Indian jersey until another irrelevant series. One wonders what he has to do beyond an average of nearly 56 in 14 matches!!!!
Undoubtedly, the talent pool in the Indian dressing room is a problem of plenty. Cricket teams around the world envy the talent pool that is knocking at the national team’s doors for an opportunity. The selectors have been bold and futuristic in giving opportunities to players who have the potential to represent India. But their vision seems to be hampered by some weird logic regarding Sanju Samson.
Sanju Samson is not picked for any important cricket events or series- Aakash Chopra
In 2023, he was not a part of the ODI plan before the World Cup. In 2024, he is not in the T20 plans of the BCCI ahead of the World Cup. He has been a part of the national team only as a stop-gap fix.
At 30, Samson only has time on his side when you see the average age pool of new players. Players who shine in the IPL have found it a stepping stone to the Indian dressing room. Samson seems to have to start from scratch after every edition of the IPL for an opportunity to don the India jersey.
“Indian cricket picks Samson in a format which is not very important that year” – Aakash Chopra on India’s squad for ODI series vs South Africa. He shared his thoughts on Samson on his YouTube channel recently.
Beautifully summed up by the author
Sanju is not making full use of the chances given to him. But it is also a fact that he is not being given consistent chances and his role is also not clear (WK or Batter or WK Batter). He is not being treated fairly.
Very well articulated. More power to the pen.
Correctly said, it’s a problem of plenty.
Sanju has that X factor who can win important matches, he can be the man who can end India’s dry run in ICC WC trophy.Selection committee has to give him 10 T20 and 10 odi matches to prove himself.
BCCI has to start diversity and inclusion in the selection process they cannot strict only to few cities and states
Good analysis of current state of team and team members
Well said…it is indeed a talent getting wasted. With impeccable records to his , be it batting , wicketkeeping or fielding this true talent has to prove again and again and again with hopes to get in the team….with millions of prayers by his side , I too pray for him for a breakthrough to the Indian playing eleven
Informative and well researched !
Very nicely written article on Samson
The age is certainly ticking for Sanju. Only time will tell whether he would be able to cement his legacy or not.
Sanju Samson has done well in some inconsequential matches…against minnows…nit seen him making impact against good teams…
Absolutely agree. Sheer talent wasted.
Very nicely articulated
Mr. Suresh Nair has very valid observations regarding Sanju Samson. India’s ever-growing talent pool is definitely a challenge for the decision makers and there is so much room for human errors. We wish Sanju gets his opportunity and shines to the promise he showed since his early days.
Well said. While on one hand other teams can envy Indian Selectors for having such a wide pool to choose from still I feel that there should not be any partisanship and may the best talent always get opportunities to perform and prove themselves
Sanju is a wasted talent indeed, when looking from a traditional point of view. Nevertheless, gents like Kohli and SKY should be sighted as shining examples for inclusion of Sanju in the future. Consistent exposure and batting position should be betted upon. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Well written Mr. Nair. Absolutely true about Sanju