Sanju Samson’s international career has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both brilliance and frustration. Despite his exceptional talent, the wicket-keeper batter has repeatedly faced snubs from the white-ball teams, leaving many scratching their heads.
Samson’s latest setback came when he was overlooked for India’s ODI series against Sri Lanka, despite scoring a century in his last one-day international match. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa, known for his blunt assessments, expressed his disappointment over Samson’s omission.
“This is not the first time Sanju has gone through this,” Uthappa said. “I don’t think it will be the last time either. But his one-day numbers have been incredible.”
Uthappa attributed Samson’s struggles to the constant changes within the Indian leadership group. “Things have to settle down a bit,” he said. “We as fans and supporters need to give them space.”
However, Uthappa believes that Samson is not out of contention for the ODI team. “He will get his opportunity,” Uthappa said. “But when it comes, he needs to grab it with solid performances.”
Samson’s future in the ODI team may hinge on his performance in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. An exemplary show in the shortest format could force the selectors to give him a longer run in the 50-over format as well.
Samson’s case highlights the complexities of team selection in modern cricket. With a plethora of talented players vying for limited spots, even the most deserving individuals can find themselves on the sidelines. However, Samson’s talent and determination suggest that he will continue to fight for his place in the Indian team.
