Sanju Samson’s quickfire innings in the second T20I against Afghanistan has prompted former India players to weigh in on his place in the team. Mohit Sharma feels the batter is too often written off after a poor patch.
The innings
Samson hit seven fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 259.09 as India reached Afghanistan’s total of 160 with 31 balls remaining. The seven-wicket result gave India a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, and with it the series.
The knock was well timed. Samson had made only 10 in the first T20I, and his form had raised questions about his spot in the XI, especially with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting for a chance.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Mohit said Samson batted brilliantly, that people are a little hasty in assessing him, and that the innings had probably settled the argument for now.
Kaif on consistency
Mohammed Kaif agreed about Samson’s quality, saying nobody is better against spin and pointing to his success against high-class bowlers such as Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi.
Kaif added a note of caution, though. He felt Samson should avoid a pattern of several modest innings following a big score, and that producing impact more regularly would stop the repeated questions. He suggested the 57 should relieve some pressure.
The third T20I may give other squad members, Sooryavanshi included, a chance. For Samson, the second match was a timely reminder of what he can offer.
