IND vs IRE: Abhishek Nayar Backs Sanju Samson To Get More Opportunities Despite Failure In West Indies T20Is

Former India player Abhishek Nayar spoke on Sanju Samson’s recent performance in the five-match T20I series against West Indies and said that he expects the batter to get more opportunities in the squad.

Sanju Samson, the 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, failed to showcase good performances in the T20I series against the West Indies. In the fifth T20I match, Sanju Samson scored 13 runs from nine balls after coming to bat at number five.

Hardik Pandya-led Men in Blue failed to clinch a T20I series win against West Indies after losing the fifth match by eight wickets. Suryakumar Yadav was the only batsman who excelled for the Men in Blue in the first innings and helped India to set a target of 166 runs.

In the second innings, the bowling attack failed to take wickets which cost the visitors a series win. Arshdeep Singh and Tilak Varma were the only bowlers who managed to take a wicket.

While speaking on Jio Cinema after the match, Nayar said that Samson will get more opportunities to prove himself.

“I am not sure if he has lost an opportunity. He will definitely get an opportunity again because he is Sanju Samson. If you are in Sanju’s position, you will ask just one question whether he is a No. 6 batter and whether he has batted at No. 6,” said Nayar.

The 39-year-old felt that it is a new role for Sanju Samson and he played only three innings where he failed to score runs which is why questions have been raised over his performance.

“He hasn’t done that. I feel it was a new role for him. He played three innings, didn’t make an impression. Probably there can be a question raised that he needs to score runs if he has been given opportunities. Today he was made to bat at No. 5,” added Nayar.

Bat him at No. 3: Abhishek Nayar on Sanju Samson

Nayar said that the number three is Sanju Samson’s place and if the management wants him to perform then they should give him that place since he is more successful over there.

“I believe if you want to utilize Sanju Samson more, bat him at No. 3 because that is his number. He is used to that and he is successful there, or else don’t play him,” Nayar further added.

India will take on Ireland in the upcoming three-match T20I series. The first match will be played on Friday (August 18) at Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin.