Rishabh Pant Gets More Chances Because He Is Left-Handed: Sanju Samson's Coach

Indian youngster Sanju Samson’s coach Biju George engaged in an interview with Times of India and opened up on various topics. The conversations with the interviewer ranged from Sanju Samson’s journey from childhood to international ranks and the skills of the player that mesmerized him. Amid that, Biju George also explained why Samson does not get preference over Rishabh Pant.

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The Indian team has not undergone smooth sailing for the wicketkeeper’s position ever since MS Dhoni played his final international match. While the choice seemed clear for Rishabh Pant to take the mantle, his inconsistency with the bat gave rise to KL Rahul to take the spot. When speaking of Sanju Samson, he has the class but in four T20Is so far, he spent without making a lasting impact.

According to Biju George, Sanju Samson should have got more chances by now. However, he thinks that because Rishab Pant is a left-hander, he gets more opportunities.

George mentioned that keeping the World Cup in mind where they might encounter quality left-arm spinners, leg-spinners, fast bowler, Pant would be handy. However, Samson’s coach does not feel that it is not deliberate not to give anybody a chance.

“If you ask me as a person who is close to Sanju, I would say he should have got more chances. But if you look at the Indian team’s point of view – why they are giving Rishabh Pant so many chances? First, he is a left-hander, obviously. Second, Indian team strategies. The chief selector should decide who is the best suitable to be in the team against an opposition – Pant or Sanju? I don’t think this is coming out deliberately not to give anybody a chance,” George stated.

Rahul Dravid had a big influence on Sanju Samson: Biju George

The coach went on to iterate that former Indian captain Rahul Dravid has massively helped Sanju Samson grow. He underlined that the Kerala batsman is an introvert and that in the game of cricket, one needs to open up to become more successful. According to him, one needs to find that balance and Dravid has managed to help with that. The 25-year old will be seen in the upcoming IPL season for the Rajasthan Royals. He has played 93 IPL games, scoring 2209 runs with two centuries, striking at 130.25.

“Dravid had a big influence on Sanju. Apart from Dravid, Zubin Bharucha has supported him a lot. Sanju became more mature under Dravid. Sanju is a bit introvert. Being introvert in a game like cricket is a little bit difficult. You tend to bottle up things in a certain way otherwise someday it will burst. You need that equilibrium. And Dravid has helped Sanju find that equilibrium,” he added.

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