India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson’s struggles with the bat continued in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, raising fresh doubts about his place in the team ahead of the T20 World Cup. In the third T20I on Sunday, Samson was dismissed for a golden duck during India’s chase of 154, extending his poor form in the series. His scores of 10, 6, and now 0 across the three matches leave him without a significant contribution at a crucial time.
While Samson has struggled to find his rhythm, Ishan Kishan has capitalised on his opportunities, seemingly solidifying his position as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in the shortest format. Kishan played a match-winning knock of 76 off just 32 balls in the second T20I, helping India comfortably
chase 209. He followed this with another impactful performance in the third match, scoring a brisk 28 off 13 deliveries as India secured an eight-wicket win to seal the series.
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Samson’s continued inconsistency has drawn criticism from former India opener Kris Srikkanth, who believes Kishan’s form can no longer be overlooked. Speaking on his YouTube channel after India’s latest victory, Srikkanth was straightforward in his assessment.
“You can’t drop Ishan Kishan now, no chance. Kishan is a more devastating player than Sanju Samson. I feel bad for Sanju. He seems desperate. He could have scored well in the last match and could’ve played well if he’d been a bit more sensible,” Srikkanth was quoted as saying.
Up And Down
The former chief selector also pointed out Samson’s long-standing issue of inconsistency at the international level. “The problem with Samson is his consistency. He scores a hundred but doesn’t perform much thereafter. His performances have been quite up and down over the last one-and-a-half years. It has been that long since his century against South Africa,” he added.
Srikkanth further suggested that the intense competition within the Indian batting lineup leaves little room for extended poor form. With several young batters delivering consistently, Samson may find himself sidelined.
“Samson has been unlucky sometimes, but at the end of the day, you’re facing competition. You can’t help it. Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, and Abhishek Sharma are certainties. Obviously, Samson will miss out. Kishan is a keeper-batter too, and he is in such dangerous form,” Srikkanth noted.
(With inputs from Agencies)
