New Delhi: Team India’s wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson has a strong fan following. Several times when he was left out of the selection, questions were raised on social media. During the tour of Ireland and Zimbabwe fans were demanding his inclusion in the playing XI. Although the wicket-keeper batsman missed the T20 World Cup due to injury, there were many fans on social media who insisted that he would have been a big player for India in the tournament. However, now former India cricketer and commentator Akash Chopra has given a big statement on Sanju Samson’s batting.
Like he is God’s gift to Indian cricket
Chopra told YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia on ‘TRS Clips’ – Sanju Samson’s era felt like he was God’s gift to Indian cricket. People said ‘feed him and everything will be fine’. We would have won the World Cup final too’. They might not have realized that the bowlers had a bad day, but it really didn’t matter to them with their batting. The atmosphere was such that if Samson had played, we could have done everything.
Sanju Samson could not take advantage of the opportunity
Although Chopra praised Samson’s ability on the field, he said that the Kerala player was not able to make the most of the opportunities given to him. Chopra said that in a situation where Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan were doing well, not much was expected from Samson. He further said – Indian cricket is interesting. Love it or hate it, but the fact is that atmosphere creates perception. And it sometimes turns out to be stronger than the truth.
Sanju has a cult following
He further said – Sanju has a cult following. We live in a digital world. Where he comes from, it is very clear that the digital presence of that place and area is immense. When he plays well, he makes batting easy. He is a delight to the eyes, has taken his team to Ranji finals, IPL finals. He got a few chances for India but could not capitalize on them. This is a fact that the fans do not understand. Akash even went on to say that Sanju realizes that he is going to get limited opportunities in the current system.
There is no place for him in the XI
Akash said- “There is no place for him in the XI. Ishaan Kishan scored a double hundred and yet we didn’t give him the next few matches. He was then asked to bat at No.5. This is because KL Rahul was not available. Had he been available, Ishaan would have been sitting outside. This is the level of quality. When the opportunity comes, grab it. If you give it away for any reason, then you will regret it.”
