Sanju Samson’s childhood coach gives his verdict about batter’s continual snub from national team

Sanju Samson (Source: Twitter)

Indian batter Sanju Samson has been struggling to get game time with the national team in recent times, and this has perplexed and even upset many fans and experts alike. His continual deselection is almost inexplicable as the strong top-order batter can offer a lot to India with the bat in the white-ball circuit.

Several former players and fans have shown their support for Samson despite the treatment he has been receiving from the Indian management. Many expected him to make the India squad for the Asia Cup 2022 and the 20-20 World Cup 2022 in Australia but he was unfortunately left out. At the moment, he is with the Indian camp for T20Is and ODIs for the ongoing New Zealand tour.

Samson was also left out for the second ODI against New Zealand in the ongoing three-match series. Many fans have opined on social media that the 28-year-old must get a nod over Rishabh Pant for the spot of wicketkeeper-batter in the team. And Samson’s childhood coach Biju has shared his thoughts.

“Now what’s happening on social media is that people are turning against Rishabh Pant for no reason. Pant is there because he has performed over a long period of time. And see there is no clash between Pant and Sanju Samson,” Biju was quoted as saying in News 18.

Belittling Rishabh Pant is very wrong: Biju

“What I am not liking is how the mallu crowd is putting Sanju Samson against BCCI, and belittling Rishabh Pant. It is very wrong and not at all on. I don’t believe so and it’s just that circumstances are not working in his favour. He is not being deliberately targeted,” opines Biju.

When asked if Samson’s time is running out with India, Biju firmly denied the claim. He urged Samson to take inspiration from a late bloomer such as Suryakumar Yadav, who is now one of the best white ball batters in the world, especially in T20Is. No time is not running out. Look at Surya, for inspiration. He arrived late to the scene and how well has he grabbed the opportunity? So Sanju shouldn’t look far for inspiration. Surya’s example is there in front of him,” says Biju.