NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson has been in scintillating form, especially in T20 Internationals, recently becoming the first Indian to score back-to-back centuries in the format. His promotion to the opening slot by India’s new captain Suryakumar Yadav and management under Gautam Gambhir has proven to be a game-changer, with Samson delivering consistent performances at the top of the order.
Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik believes Samson has now solidified his place as India’s T20I opener.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik praised Samson’s recent success and suggested that the duo of Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal could be India’s opening combination for the foreseeable future in T20Is. “I think he [Samson] has cemented his spot as an opener. Yashasvi Jaiswal and him will be the openers at least for some time to come in the T20 format,” Karthik stated in response to a query about Samson’s position in the batting lineup.
During the same show, former India pacer Zaheer Khan highlighted the fierce competition for spots in India’s T20I top-order, which he referred to as a “traffic jam” of talented batters from positions 1 to 7. He noted that this depth is a positive sign for the team’s future but added that consistent performances will be crucial for players to retain their spots.
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“Performance speaks for itself. Now, from 1-7 there is a traffic jam. That’s a very positive sign for Indian cricket in this format. So for anyone, it is going to be only and only about consistent performances. No one will be able to take their eyes off the ball. You’ve got to be focused through and through,” Zaheer explained.
Zaheer also pointed to a specific moment during Samson’s recent knock of 107 against South Africa in Durban, where Samson played a remarkable shot off Keshav Maharaj, showcasing his skill and maturity as a top-order batter.
“The shot he hit against Keshav Maharaj was something special. He was not in the best position to play it, he was way off, but he still managed to time it so well that it went all the way for six,” Zaheer recalled.
Karthik further analyzed the shot, emphasizing the evolution in Samson’s game, especially in his ability to hit sixes. He explained how Samson’s composure and technical adjustments have made him a standout performer.
Samson has cemented his spot as India’s T20I opener: Dinesh Karthik
“He has made a lot of technical changes, especially suited to this format. He focused a lot on six-hitting. Against Keshav Maharaj, he stepped out but missed the length of the ball. Maharaj did brilliantly to beat him in the air, but Sanju held his position and waited on the shot, hitting it over covers. That’s a man who, even when he misses the length, doesn’t panic and holds that extra second. That’s a very tough skill to have, but he does it very well. That’s what makes him very special,” Karthik explained.
With his recent performances, Samson seems to have found his groove as India’s go-to opener in T20Is, further strengthening the team’s options at the top.