Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has told Sanju Samson to not worry about his place in the team’s playing XI amid the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Samson has returned with scores of 10 and 6 in the first two games against the Kiwis after the management gave him back his opening slot.

The right-hander has been a bit inconsistent and would look to be in good form ahead of the T20 World Cup. Samson has scored 1048 runs in 54 T20Is at an average of 24.95.

On the other hand, Ishan Kishan scored a blistering knock of 76 runs off just 32 balls in the second T20I, which would have put Samson under a bit of pressure regarding his place in the team.

“That’s where I feel the team management’s role and captain’s role will be crucial, telling Sanju Samson that you are going to be playing all five matches and also in the World Cup. So, don’t worry about your place. Sometimes, what happens is that when you have a guy like Abhishek Sharma at the other end who is going really strong, then there is pressure on Samson,” Rahane said on Cricbuzz.

Rahane reckons Samson is trying too hard to follow Abhishek Sharma’s footsteps but he should back his own game.

“He is basically trying to match Abhishek Sharma. The only thing for Sanju Samson is to stick to his own game plan and backing himself. What I saw from him in the T20 format is that he likes to play his game. The communication from the team management at this moment is really important. Just give him the freedom, he is a quality player,” Rahane added.

Samson would look to deliver the goods in the third T20I at Guwahati.