Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has questioned Sanju Samson’s shot selection in the five-match T20I series against England. Samson was dismissed while playing the pull/hook shot in all five games on short-pitched deliveries as English bowlers were able to exploit his kryptonite.
The Indian opener could only manage 51 runs in five matches at an average of 10.20 and thus failed to deliver the goods at the top of the order. Samson had scored two centuries on the South Africa tour but could not carry on the same form despite playing in the known conditions.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Kris Srikkanth said, “Sanju Samson seems to have missed the bus. For the fifth time, getting out in the same manner. He has played a similar shot. I think he is trying to show his ego. He is trying to say, ‘No, no, I will play this shot.’ Is he going on an ego trip or struggling? I am not sure. It’s very sad. I am disappointed.
The former World Cup winner said Indian selectors should give chances to Yashasvi Jaiswal in place of Sanju Samson.
“We spoke about why he was not picked in the Champions Trophy squad. If he continues playing like this, let’s say thank you, sorry, Yashasvi Jaiswal is back. In the next T20I match, Yashasvi automatically comes in, in my opinion.”
On the other hand, Srikkanth also shed light on Suryakumar Yadav’s struggles in the T20I series against England. SKY could manage 28 runs in five matches at an average of 5.60.
“Look at Suryakumar Yadav. Show me his numbers from the last 10 innings, that’s what we need to look at in T20Is. Look at this series, he has tried to play the same shot. He has tried to flick and has gotten top edges that have carried.
“Both Samson and Suryakumar need to work on this. I think Suryakumar is not able to execute his flicks, which have been his strengths, due to the extra pace. I don’t know if he is playing too early. He is rushing into his shots, not playing relaxed. Suryakumar is one of my favorite players. I hope he makes corrections and comes back.”
The first ODI between India and England will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur on Thursday.
