Former India Opener Slams Sanju Samson's Repetitive Dismissal Patterns in T20Is
Sanju Samson's struggles in T20 International cricket have drawn sharp criticism from former India opener Aakash Chopra, who pointed out a concerning pattern in the batter's dismissals. Samson's poor form continued in the recent series against New Zealand, where he managed only 46 runs across five innings, marking the lowest tally for an Indian opener in a five-match T20I series.
Disappointing Homecoming in Thiruvananthapuram
Even a much-anticipated homecoming in Thiruvananthapuram could not salvage Samson's performance. On Saturday, the Kerala batter fell for just six runs, extending his run of failures in the series. His dismissal came as he attempted to hoick a six across the line, resulting in a thick outside edge caught by the deep third fielder. This outing added to a dismal record that has seen him accumulate minimal runs in consecutive matches.
Chopra Highlights Alarming Trends
In a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Aakash Chopra expressed his concerns about Samson's batting technique. "I think now this is twice in about 12 months. It all started with that England series," Chopra remarked. He emphasized that it is rare for top-class batters to develop such repetitive dismissal patterns, especially in the fast-paced T20 format.
Chopra detailed the technical flaws observed in Samson's approach: "You go deep inside the crease even before the ball is bowled. You try and play the ball, but the front foot doesn't go anywhere. As a result, your bat actually closes every single time you play." He noted that similar issues plagued Samson during the England series a year ago, where he managed only 51 runs in five games, often falling to short balls caught in the deep.
Comparative Performance and Team Dynamics
Samson's struggles come at a critical time, with India's backup wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan delivering standout performances. Kishan capped off the series with a blistering maiden century, showcasing his form and potentially threatening Samson's position in the opening slot. This contrast in performance adds pressure on Samson as India prepares for their World Cup opener in Mumbai in just six days.
The repetitive nature of Samson's dismissals against pace bowling has raised questions about his adaptability at the international level. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, addressing these technical issues will be crucial for his future in the team.
