Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opened up on Sanju Samson’s short-ball issues in the ongoing T20I series against England. Samson has managed only 34 runs in three matches of the series at an average of 11.33.
The right-hander from Kerala has been dismissed by Jofra Archer on short-pitched deliveries in all three games. Samson was caught at mid-on by Adil Rashid in the last game at Rajkot when he looked to make room but could not get his timing right against Archer.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “So no one will say anything about Sanju. He is getting out to bouncers and short balls, going slightly towards square leg, but you and I are not supposed to say anything.”
Chopra added that the fans question Rishabh Pant’s shot selection and Dhruv Jurel’s selection when Samson is criticized for his dismissals.
“We don’t drive the broadcasting industry, but if someone shows the stats, one shouldn’t be concerned if he got out five times. They say – ‘What’s your problem if he got out thrice in three matches? The others also get out. Pant also got out and why are you playing Dhruv?’” Chopra observed.
Meanwhile, India is backing left-right batting combination in the ongoing series but Chopra said it is sometimes overrated.
“Left-right looks good in the march-past. However, left-right in a game is slightly overrated beyond a point. You have so much obsession with left-right that you asked Dhruv Jurel to keep sitting in the dressing room. Then it’s not right.”
Chopra wants India to back in-form Tilak Varma at number three in the ongoing series.
“A question will also be asked in the next match. When Tilak Varma is playing well at No. 3, whether a left-hander or right-hander gets out, send Tilak Varma. If Abhishek Sharma keeps playing, and Sanju and Surya get out, then Tilak only comes. So then you have left-left together. So the question will come to keep Tilak at No. 3 to utilize his form properly,” Chopra elaborated.
The fourth T20I between India and England will take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Friday.
