Sanjay Manjrekar Urges BCCI to Give Sanju Samson Time to Find Form Amidst Recent Struggles
Sanju Samson, once the star performer for India in T20Is, is currently facing a challenging period in his cricket career. Following a stellar performance in the South Africa T20 series, Samson’s form has taken a sharp dip. In the recent five-match T20I series against England, the wicketkeeper-batter managed to score only 51 runs across five innings—a stark contrast to his brilliant 216 runs from four innings during November’s series. This sudden slump has led to discussions about his place in the Indian team, especially with rising talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill waiting for their chance.
Despite the downturn in form, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has stepped in to defend Samson’s place in the Indian squad, urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to refrain from making any hasty decisions. In his comments on ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar emphasized the value of Samson’s potential, suggesting that players who can make match-winning contributions, like Samson, deserve more opportunities, even during periods of failure.
The Ups and Downs of Sanju Samson’s Recent Form
Sanju Samson’s recent struggles came to the forefront in the England series, where the pace attack, particularly from Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, troubled him. Known for his aggressive and fearless batting style, Samson found himself struggling against the short ball, getting dismissed in similar fashion throughout the series. This vulnerability to pace bowling has raised questions about his technical approach, especially when compared to the ease with which he handled similar deliveries in previous series.
However, Manjrekar, a seasoned commentator and analyst, believes that Samson’s inconsistency should not overshadow his potential. “When you’re evaluating a T20 batting talent, it’s crucial to understand the kind of impact they can have when in form,” Manjrekar stated. He argued that when Samson is on top of his game, he has the ability to turn a match on its head with his explosive batting, including making significant contributions like an impressive hundred. Manjrekar called for the BCCI to show patience and allow Samson the chance to regain his form, recognizing the volatility inherent in T20 cricket.
Patience is Key for Samson’s Comeback
Manjrekar’s support comes at a time when there is intense competition for spots in the Indian team. With other openers like Jaiswal and Gill in the mix, the pressure on Samson to perform consistently has increased. Despite the intense scrutiny, Manjrekar advised the BCCI to grant Samson ample opportunities to get back into form. He emphasized that in T20 cricket, players often cannot settle into a rhythm and must take risks in hopes of a breakthrough performance.
“I would encourage the BCCI to give him as many innings as possible. The kind of impact Sanju Samson can have, when he gets into form, is immense,” Manjrekar added. He also acknowledged that Samson might need to make some technical adjustments, especially in dealing with the short ball. Manjrekar noted that Samson appeared rushed against Archer and Wood, which could be a result of the increased pace and aggression from the opposition bowlers.
What Needs to Change for Sanju Samson?
In addition to Manjrekar’s praise, the cricketer also pointed out areas where Samson could improve. His approach to short-pitched deliveries has been a recurring issue, with the batter seeming cramped for room when bowlers attack his body. Manjrekar advised Samson to focus on improving his shot selection, particularly with the pull shot, and to exhibit more “street-smartness” in his gameplay. This, he believes, will allow Samson to handle pace better and get back to his destructive best.
Despite the recent slump, Samson’s earlier performances, including some game-changing knocks, highlight the significant role he can play in the Indian T20 lineup. As the team continues to prepare for future tournaments and series, the BCCI may well heed Manjrekar’s advice to give Samson more chances to showcase his true potential.
Conclusion: A Crucial Moment in Sanju Samson’s Career
Sanju Samson’s recent struggles in T20Is have raised questions about his place in the team, but with his undeniable talent and potential for match-winning innings, it would be wise for the BCCI to show patience. As the competition for spots intensifies, Samson’s ability to bounce back from a rough patch could play a key role in shaping the future of Indian cricket.
With the constant flux in international cricket, players like Sanju Samson will face ups and downs. It’s essential for selectors to take a long-term view and allow talent to flourish with the right support.
