Simon Doull, the former New Zealand cricketer turned commentator, raised concerns about Sanju Samson’s recurring dismissals, citing the batter’s tendency to get out in a manner he shouldn’t.
Sanju Samson’s recent struggle continued in the second ODI against South Africa on December 19, marking a frustrating return after his absence from the World Cup 2023. Commentator Simon Doull scrutinized Samson’s performance, emphasizing a recurring issue in his dismissals. The batter’s tendency to shuffle away from the body while batting led to his downfall, resulting in an all-too-familiar pattern of nicking the ball onto his stumps.
“Yeah, he’s not had a real extended run, but he’s had opportunities in back-to-back games—quite a typical, Sanju Samson dismissal. You know, he finds ways to get out when at times he shouldn’t. He’s a little shuffle playing away from his body. We see that often. It’s ok on surfaces in India to be playing away from your body when the ball doesn’t do much,” Doull said to Star Sports.
“But it’s nipping around a little, quite a fraught with danger, that type of shot, you see the angle of the bat at 45 degrees. It’s not a classical straight bat shot. He sort of wants that wand outside the line of off-stump far too often, and I think that’s what people get frustrated with Sanju,” he added.
This recurring flaw came to the forefront as Samson managed only 12 runs off 23 balls, leaving questions about his approach in less favorable conditions.
Samson’s place in the Indian team faces scrutiny due to inconsistent performances, especially after a single notable score on the recent tour. Despite limited appearances – only 15 ODIs and 24 T20Is – his T20I stats are worrying, averaging below 20. However, his 50-over format record shines, with a promising average of 50.25 and a strike rate of 101. With KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan’s strong displays, his spot seems uncertain.
Last Updated on December 20, 2023
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