With a match-saving 58-run knock in the 5th T20I, Sanju Samson has thrown his hat into the ring to be fill in the shoes of Virat Kohli
It looks like Sanju Samson’s future in the India cricket team is in safe hands, with old guards taking a backseat and a new coach taking over the reins of the team. The Kerala batter did not waste any opportunities in proving his worth in the IND vs ZIM series after warming the bench throughout the T20 World Cup.
With a match-saving 58-run knock in the 5th T20I, Samson has thrown his hat into the ring to be fill in the shoes of Virat Kohli for the Men in Blue in the shortest format of the game.
Can Sanju Samson finally cement his spot in India’s T20I setup?
Samson has faced severe criticism over the past years for squandering opportunities. Despite stellar performances in IPL editions and on & off performances while representing India, the Kerala batter has often found himself either out of the side or warming the benches even if he is picked. It looks like this might change for the keeper-batter with Gambhir taking charge.
What does Gambhir think of Samson?
Let’s take a look back at the last time GG had something to say about Samson. It came back in May when the batter was picked as a part of India’s T20 World Cup squad traveling to the USA and the Caribbean.
“You have that experience of playing international cricket. You are not a newbie that you will wait any longer. You have tasted international cricket and you’ve done well in the IPL, and now you have the chance to play the World Cup. So, hopefully, Sanju shows the world what he is capable of at this stage,” Gambhir had said.
How GG era can pave for Samson’s inclusion
Cut to the month of July, Samson has indeed redeemed himself, with his performances against ZIM. In three games against Raza and co., Samson has 70 runs to his name, with his most crucial knock coming in the final T20I when the top-order faltered. Samson’s measured and methodic innings has a remarkable resemblance to that of Virat Kohli and the role played by the maestro in terms of maintaining a balance and contributing in a way the team benefits the most.
With reports claiming Gambhir wanting separate teams for T20Is and ODIs, the opportunities for Samson could might as well increase. Naturally, this would depend on how he managed to impress the selectors and the coach in the upcoming series. He faces a stiff competition from Rishabh Pant, who is a seasoned veteran across all formats of the game.
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