As the excitement builds for the T20I series between India and Bangladesh, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has shared his insights on the batting style of Sanju Samson. With the first match set to take place on Sunday at the newly inaugurated Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia International Cricket Stadium in Gwalior, the spotlight is on Samson, who has faced challenges in finding consistent form.
Sanju Samson’s Struggles
Sanju Samson, a talented batsman with immense potential, has been waiting patiently for opportunities throughout 2024. Despite being part of the squad that won the T20 World Cup, he has not played in a single match since the warm-up game against Bangladesh. Chopra points out that one of the key issues with Samson's game is his tendency to go for "one too many shots," which can lead to premature dismissals.
“He is an incredible and mighty player. When he scores runs, he shows as if it's very easy to bat. However, his problem is that he goes for one too many shots,” Chopra remarked, adding that this inconsistency has left fans questioning how he lets chances slip away.
The Call for Opening
Chopra suggests that Samson should open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma, especially in light of the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad. He emphasizes that this move could help stabilize the innings.
“Sanju re baba - make Samson open because Abhishek Sharma is certain at one end. However, since you have not picked Ruturaj Gaikwad, only Sanju Samson is left,” Chopra noted in a recent YouTube analysis.
Samson has experience batting in various positions, having previously opened, played at No. 3, and even batted at No. 5 and No. 6. His versatility is an asset that the Indian team can utilize as they look to dominate the T20I series.
Captain’s Confidence
In a pre-match press conference, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Sanju Samson would feature prominently in the opening slot for the series against Bangladesh. This decision indicates the team’s confidence in Samson’s ability to contribute significantly to the batting lineup.
“Sanju Samson will play and open the batting in this series, going forward with Abhishek Sharma,” Yadav stated, reflecting the team's commitment to support Samson as he seeks to regain his form.
Conclusion
As the first T20I approaches, all eyes will be on Sanju Samson to see if he can translate his potential into impactful performances. Aakash Chopra's insights serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in high-pressure situations and the importance of finding balance in their approach. With support from the team and a clear strategy, Samson may finally carve out a path toward consistency in his batting.
Upcoming Match Details
The first match of the T20I series between India and Bangladesh will kick off at the Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia International Cricket Stadium in Gwalior. Fans eagerly await to see if Samson can deliver on the promise that Chopra and many others believe he possesses.