IND vs WI: Robin Uthappa Urges India To Give Extended Run To Sanju Samson In T20Is

Published - 04 Aug 2023, 04:36 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:16 AM

"Very Normal To Be Dejected As A Player"- Robin Uthappa After Sanju Samson's Snub From Asian Games, Australia Series And World Cup Squad
Sanju Samson Photo Credit: (BCCI)

While Sanju Samson is unlikely to be a member of the India squad for this year’s ICC World Cup, former batsman Robin Uthappa has urged the team management to keep the batsman in contention for next year’s T20 World Cup.

Sanju Samson was a part of the Indian team for the recently-concluded three-match ODI series against West Indies. While he did not play the first game, he got a chance in the next two games. The right-handed batsman played both games as a specialist batsman as Ishan Kishan was preferred ahead of him for the wicketkeeper’s role.

The Kerala star is likely to be dropped from the ODI team once the likes of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer become available for selection. Until and unless India suffer a major injury setback, his participation in this year’s World Cup as well as Asia Cup looks highly unlikely.

Robin Uthappa, however, wants the Indian team management to give Sanju Samson an extended run in the T20 team so that he can cement his spot for the T20 World Cup. The T20 World Cup winner stated that Sanju Samson should be allowed the opportunity to get used to the No. 6 position if India are looking at him as a finisher in T20I cricket.

The Rajasthan Royals captain batted at that position on Thursday (August 3) during the first T20I between India and West Indies. He, however, failed to make a mark and was run out for just 12 as India lost the game by 4 runs.

“I am hopeful considering the team management has decided to play Sanju Samson at No. 6 in T20I cricket, then it’s important he gets a longer rope. If you are going to go into the World Cup with Sanju Samson playing a finisher’s role, then it’s important he understands the position well. The more he plays in that position, he would be able to understand it better,” Robin Uthappa told JioCinema.

Robin Uthappa’s advice for Sanju Samson:

Speaking further, Robin Uthappa also suggested what Sanju Samson needs to do to make sure he does well as a finisher for Team India. The former India batsman stated that the wicketkeeper-batsman must use IPL 2024 to get used to the No. 6 role.

“When Sanju Samson plays for the Rajasthan Royals, there also he can play half the season at the top order and the remaining half at No. 6. So that he can build familiarity. When he plays for India, it’s not a given that he would get the No. 3 spot. Suryakumar Yadav might take the spot or Virat Kohli might play at No. 3. So he needs to be prepared for both positions,” Uthappa said.

Sanju Samson is likely to play the second T20I too and would be looking to make an impact with the bat. The second match is scheduled to be played on August 6 in Guyana.

Tagged:

ICC T20 World Cup 2024 IND vs WI 2023 India National Cricket Team India tour of West Indies 2023 Robin Uthappa Sanju Samson West Indies WI vs IND 2023
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