NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced significant concerns regarding Sanju Samson’s long-term future in the national T20I squad.
The seasoned wicketkeeper-batter from Kerala appears to have slipped down the pecking order, as the team management seems to be making role-specific selections.
Kaif’s insights, shared on his YouTube channel, shed light on why Samson might be losing his grip on a spot in India’s evolving T20 setup.
Kaif’s Candid Assessment: Why Samson is Sidelined
Samson has been notably absent from the playing XI in the last two T20Is against Australia, with Jitesh Sharma stepping in as the preferred wicketkeeper-batter.
This move, favoring Sharma in the lower middle order, has received strong backing from both captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Kaif stated plainly, “If Sanju Samson were playing, there would be no confusion, but with Shubman Gill as vice-captain playing in all matches, Sanju Samson seems sidelined.”
The Role-Specific Selection Strategy
According to Kaif, India’s team management has firmly moved towards a strategy of role-specific selections, and that crucial shift appears to have directly impacted Samson’s position within the squad.
Kaif emphasized, “Jitesh Sharma is seen as a better finisher at number five or six than Sanju, which works in Sharma’s favour.”
Shubman Gill’s Growing Influence
Another significant factor contributing to Samson’s current predicament is the fast-tracking of Shubman Gill’s leadership path.
Gill is being actively groomed as a future captain and a key player, which Kaif suggests has inadvertently cost Samson his place in the T20I setup.
Acknowledging Samson’s Prowess (and the ‘But…’)
Despite his critical assessment, Kaif was quick to acknowledge Sanju Samson’s undeniable batting talent and impressive record.
He highlighted, “Sanju’s record is excellent, a strike rate of around 150.”
However, Kaif reiterated the team’s new focus: “But they are backing players by the batting number position now.”
Missed Opportunities and Future Outlook
Earlier in the year, Samson had showcased excellent form, scoring freely as an opener alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Yet, the strategic decision to elevate Gill’s leadership responsibilities has pushed Samson back to the sidelines once more.
With upcoming home T20I series against strong opponents, Samson’s chances to reclaim his spot appear increasingly slim. His path forward faces several hurdles:
- Increased competition for wicketkeeper-batter slots.
- Team management’s preference for role-specific finishers.
- The strategic grooming of Shubman Gill for future leadership roles.
- Limited opportunities to showcase his versatility in upcoming series.
India’s long-term T20 vision seems to be creating a tough battle for relevance for one of the country’s most talented stroke-makers.
The Final Takeaway
Mohammad Kaif’s observations paint a clear picture of the strategic shift within the Indian T20I setup.
While Sanju Samson possesses a proven track record and impressive strike rate, the current emphasis on specific batting roles and the promotion of other players have put his T20I career in a precarious position.
Only time will tell if Samson can adapt or if his T20I journey with Team India has indeed reached an unexpected crossroads.