Sanju Samson in action©AFP
Sanju Samson is a cricketer who enjoys a huge following among the fans. During India’s trips to countries like Ireland and Zimbabwe, there were fans chanting his name and demanding that he be included in the playing XI. Although the wicketkeeper batsman missed the T20 World Cup due to injury, there were fans on social media insisting that he could have been an important factor for India in the tournament where Rohit Sharma and co were beaten in the semi-finals. Former Indian cricketer Aakaash Chopra weighed in on Samson’s huge popularity and the perception around the young cricketer.
“During the Sanju Samson stage, it felt like he was a gift from God to Indian cricket. People were saying, ‘Play him and everything will fall into place. We would have even won the World Cup final’. They wouldn’t realize that the bowlers had had a bad day or Karthik or Pant would have played for him But in reality his batting wouldn’t have made any difference The atmosphere was such that if Samson had played we could have done this and that, Chopra told YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia about ‘TRS Clips’.
Chopra praised Samson for his natural ability on the pitch, but also pointed out that the Kerala youngster was unable to capitalize on the opportunities given to him. In a situation where Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan performed well, Chopra said Samson didn’t have much hope.
“Indian cricket is interesting. You like it or you hate it, but the fact is that the atmosphere creates perception, and that is sometimes stronger than the truth. Sanju has a cult following – we live in a digital world. Where he comes from , it “It is very clear that place and region have a digital presence. When he plays well, he looks easy to hit. He is a sight to behold, took his team to Ranji final, IPL final. Got some chances for India but didn’t make the most of them. And this is a reality that fans don’t understand. Sanju realizes that he will have limited opportunities in the current set-up.”
“There’s just no place in the XI. Ishan Kishan scored a double century and yet we didn’t give him the next few games. When he did, he was asked to bat at number 5. There’s no place. And it’s not because KL Rahul wasn’t available If he had been available he would still have been sitting So that’s the level of quality that is available If the opportunity arises just grab it If you throw it away for any reason also, then you regret,” the former Indian cricket team opener explained on the show.
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