India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal criticised wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for not capitalising on the opportunities he has received so far in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.
Samson’s form in the series has been disappointing. The right-handed batter has scored only 40 runs in four innings, with a best of 24. By contrast, Ishan Kishan, the other wicketkeeper-batter in the squad, has made an immediate impact at the top of the order since returning to the team.
Speaking on JioStar, Chahal said: “Sanju Samson has played for many years. He started in the IPL middle order, then became an opener. After playing international cricket for 10–12 years, pressure shouldn’t be an excuse. He has had four chances in this series. I can accept failure in one or two matches, but not in three or four. He knows someone like Ishan Kishan, who is the backup and is batting well at number three, is waiting. Sanju will blame himself. He had four opportunities but could not make them count.”
Samson enjoyed a prolific year in 2024, scoring three centuries and providing several aggressive starts alongside Abhishek Sharma. He lost his opening slot when Shubman Gill was recalled to the squad. However, Gill struggled for consistency and was eventually dropped from the T20 World Cup squad, opening the door once again for Samson to resume opening the innings.
Amid questions over his form, Samson is expected to keep his place for the fifth T20I against New Zealand, which will be played tomorrow at his home ground in Thiruvananthapuram.
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