In the annals of Indian cricket, a perennial debate rages on about players who could have, should have, and would have made a mark on the international stage. One name that consistently surfaces in this discussion is Sanju Samson. A wicketkeeper-batsman known for his clean striking and undeniable talent, Samson’s journey has been marked by fits of brilliance punctuated by moments of recklessness. As the Asia Cup 2023 squad was unveiled, the surprise exclusion of Samson in favour of Suryakumar Yadav brought this debate to the forefront once again.
Over the years, Samson’s name has been synonymous with unfulfilled potential. He weathered the transition from the MS Dhoni era and remained in contention for selection across formats. However, his inconsistency often cast a shadow over his undeniable skills. While Samson’s ability to hit the ball cleanly was evident, his dismissals often left fans scratching their heads in disbelief. The Asia Cup squad announcement on Monday revealed that Samson had been relegated to the standby position, a decision that triggered debates and discussions among cricket enthusiasts.
Samson’s prowess with the bat was never in doubt. His recent innings against Ireland in the second T20I showcased his ability to play exquisite cover drives and dispatch the ball to the boundary with ease. Yet, as has been his story, an extravagant and ill-timed shot led to his downfall. This tendency to succumb to moments of madness has haunted him throughout his career, raising questions about his focus and decision-making at crucial junctures. The question was clear for the selection committee and Indian team management – can Samson deliver under pressure?
A glance at Samson’s recent performances reflects the roller-coaster nature of his career. The West Indies series saw him struggle to find his rhythm, oscillating between innings of struggle and brilliance. His innings of 51 off 41 balls in the third ODI was a testament to his potential, yet it too ended in an extravagant shot. Similarly, in the T20Is, Samson’s inconsistency was on display with scores of 12, 7, and 13 in the first three matches against the Men in Maroon.
The debate around Samson’s selection gains further momentum when his statistics are juxtaposed with his peers. His record in both ODIs and T20Is showcases his ability to shine when in form. With an ODI average of 55.71, including three half-centuries and a best of 84 not out, Samson’s credentials are undeniable. However, the sporadic nature of his appearances, coupled with his middling T20 international average of 19.68, presents a conundrum for selectors.
The emergence of young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Rinku Singh adds to the competition for spots in the Indian team. As the new guard takes center stage, the clock ticks louder for Samson, making his selection for major tournaments a make-or-break affair.
The final blow to Samson’s Asia Cup dreams came with the selection of Suryakumar Yadav in the squad. While Yadav’s prowess in the T20 format is unquestionable, his struggles in ODIs cast a shadow over his inclusion. With a meagre average of 24.33 in 26 ODIs, Yadav’s style of aggressive play doesn’t always align with the demands of the 50-over format. In contrast, Samson’s impressive ODI record and ability to anchor innings could have provided India with a valuable middle-order option. However, Yadav has more often than not displayed his outrageous hitting skills, that has taken oppositions by surprise, at least in the shortest format of the game. Now, that he is included in the Asia Cup squad, his job will be do be the demolisher, if he gets a game.
The selectors’ decision reflects their reservations stemming from Samson’s tendency to let go of his wicket in crucial situations.
“Rahul, in the last few days, not his original injury, has incurred a niggle which is why Sanju will be travelling with the team. But the physio…I’m sure there will be an official statement, but we are at some stage expecting him to be completely fit if not at the start of the Asia Cup, but in the second or the third game. But he is well on track,” said Ajit Agarkar, the BCCI chief selector.
The Sanju Samson vs Suryakumar Yadav debate epitomizes the challenges faced by selectors in a cricket-crazy nation like India. The fine line between talent and temperament is evident in Samson’s career trajectory. As he carries the mantle of a standby player, the Asia Cup may serve as a turning point for both him and his contemporaries. While Samson’s omission stirs discussions, the larger narrative of India’s evolving cricket landscape remains in the foreground. Only time will reveal whether Samson’s journey takes a new turn or if the enigma of his career continues to perplex and intrigue fans and selectors alike.