IND vs WI: Aakash Chopra Questions Sanju Samson's Batting Position, Highlighting His Poor Numbers In T20Is
Published - 04 Aug 2023, 06:20 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:16 AM
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that Sanju Samson hasn’t performed well enough in T20I cricket to bat at the top of the lineup. Aakash Chopra highlighted that Sanju Samson’s poor performances in different batting positions have led to uncertainty about his ideal role in the team.
Hardik Pandya Should Come At No. 5 – Aakash Chopra
During a discussion on JioCinema, Aakash Chopra stated that No. 5 is the ideal position for skipper Hardik Pandya in the batting lineup.
“Where will you play him if you don’t play him here? Sending Hardik at No. 6, I don’t want to do that personally because I feel Hardik Pandya should come at No. 5 for sure. So No. 5 is fine for him,” Chopra said.
“Everyone likes to bat up the order. His numbers are not looking good at any position in T20s, let’s be fair – very limited opportunities and he didn’t get those opportunities continuously as well,” he added.
Hardik Pandya scored a run-a-ball 19 in the run chase. Both Hardik and Samson were dismissed in the same over, with Jason Holder removing the Indian skipper, while Samson was dismissed with a brilliant throw from Kyle Mayers.
Obviously, It’s Not Enough – Aakash Chopra
The former Indian opener highlighted Sanju Samson’s performance in different positions in the shorter format of international cricket.
“Averages of 26, 16, 14, 12 and 19 (in different positions) – obviously it’s not enough. It is not giving us enough idea of where he should bat – what is his suited number. We cannot build the argument that he should play at No. 4 seeing those numbers.”
