The Frustration Around a Rested Hero
It was only in March of this year that Sanju Samson stood at the pinnacle of T20 cricket. With breathtaking scores of 97 not out, 89, and another 89 in the knockout stages, he powered India to its third T20 World Cup title. His performance earned him
the coveted Player of the Tournament award, cementing his status as a big-match player capable of delivering under immense pressure. This is why the decision to rest him for the subsequent tour of Zimbabwe left many baffled. For his legion of supporters, seeing the tournament's best player on the sidelines while the team experimented felt like a confusing slight, especially when the top order showed signs of fragility.
Abhishek Sharma’s Struggle for Runs
The debate intensified with Abhishek Sharma’s performances during the Zimbabwe tour. Tasked with the opener's role, the left-hander struggled to make an impact with the bat, registering low scores across the series, including being dismissed for just 8 and 2. This wasn't a one-off; it continued a trend of inconsistent returns in national colours following the World Cup. While India secured a dominant 3-0 series victory, Abhishek's failure to convert his starts into significant scores raised a pertinent question from the cricketing community: Why does he continue to get a long rope while a proven hero like Samson sits out?
The Selectors' Modern T20 Blueprint
The answer to 'why Abhishek' lies less in recent scores and more in the team management's strategic vision for T20 cricket. Selectors are increasingly prioritising specific roles over picking players based on reputation alone. Abhishek fits a highly sought-after modern T20 profile: a fearless, high-intent, left-handed opener tasked with maximizing the powerplay. His job is to attack from the first ball and change the game's momentum early. Furthermore, his utility as a more-than-handy left-arm spinner adds a crucial layer of balance to the team. His spell of 3 for 17 in the second T20I was a match-winning contribution that showcased his all-round value. The management is clearly investing in his potential and unique skillset for the long term.
A Perceived Double Standard?
However, critics, including former players like Kris Srikkanth and Hanuma Vihari, point to what they perceive as a double standard in selection policy. They recall that before his World Cup heroics, Samson himself was dropped from the playing XI after a few low scores, only to fight his way back. Now, after being named the tournament's most valuable player, he finds himself rested. In contrast, Abhishek appears to be receiving sustained backing despite a longer run of inconsistency. This perceived difference in treatment is the source of the frustration. Fans argue that if a player with Abhishek's recent form is being nurtured, then a proven big-match performer like Samson deserves, at the very least, a permanent spot in the squad.
