Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has advised India to back under-fire Sanju Samson in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Uthappa reckons the Indian opener is not out of form, but he is out of runs. Samson could only manage 46 runs in five matches against New Zealand recently and thus, the pressure is rising on the right-hander.
Furthermore, Ishan Kishan was able to grab his opportunity with both hands, scoring 215 runs in four matches against the Kiwis at an average of 53.75.
Citing Suryakumar Yadav’s example, Uthappa said even the Indian captain was not out of form before the New Zealand series. SKY top-scored in the series with 242 runs in five matches at an average of 80.67 to return to his best and thus was awarded Player of the Series.
Robin Uthappa said on CommBox TV YouTube Channel, “Form will always be temporary, be it Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, or Rohit Sharma. When you are a cricketer of that calibre, I don’t think the form of Sanju Samson is an issue. Even Suryakumar Yadav wasn’t out of form. It’s just that he didn’t play in one position long enough. The kind of player Samson is, when he comes off in tandem with Abhishek Sharma, they look like a million bucks. That energy is insane.”
“Yes, he has got the opportunities and not performed in them. But there has also always been a sword over his head that if he doesn’t perform, there is someone waiting for his spot. There has never been a time where he just goes and bats. When they’ve given him that chance to just go and bat and do your thing, he has done well.”
Uthappa urged the selectors and the team management to stick with Sanju Samson in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“He has got the opportunities, but as I said about Surya, in any World Cup, you will carry one player. I was saying Carry Surya if that’s required because when he comes off, he’ll win you matches like he’s winning now in the New Zealand series. The same applies for Sanju Samson. Carry him and stick with him. Keep Ishan Kishan at No.3. But if Tilak gets ready, then play your best 11,” said Uthappa (via the aforementioned source).
India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA on February 7.
