Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his thoughts on Sanju Samson losing his place in India’s playing XI for the first T20I against South Africa earlier this week.
For the fourth time in the last six matches, Sanju Samson was dropped from the eleven to make room for Jitesh Sharma. The team-management has made it more or less clear that Sharma is ahead of the Kerala star when it comes to the finisher’s role in the team.
Not long ago, Sanju Samson was an automatic choice in the T20I team, but things have changed since Shubman Gill was recalled to the T20I team and given the opening batsman’s spot. With Gill and Abhishek Sharma opening the innings, Sanju Samson was demoted to the middle order but was not given a chance for long as Sharma has been the clear favorite for that spot.
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Ravichandran Ashwin on Sanju Samson being dropped:
With Sanju Samson struggling to get a regular chance in the playing eleven, Ravichandran Ashwin has said that it was always difficult for the wicketkeeper-batsman to become a regular in the team after Gill was recalled to the team.
“There was a lot of discussion before the game on whether Sanju should play, and why he is not being played, etc. Whenever Sanju is dropped from the team, there is always a discussion, the question is whether he has got a fair chance, etc. From the moment Shubman Gill came into the team, and as a vice-captain, it was always going to be difficult for Sanju to get into the playing eleven,” R Ashwin said.
‘Feed Samson at number 3’
Speaking further, Ravichandran Ashwin said that if the team management gives a chance to Samson in the upcoming games, he should bat at number 3. The former India spin bowler said that Samson is unlikely to have a big impact at No. 5 and should be given a chance in the top three.
“Sanju hasn’t played enough at No. 5, and Jitesh Sharma is in the team for his finishing abilities. He played the same role for RCB, so it was always going to be difficult for Sanju. If you are playing Sanju, play him at No. 3, use him against spin.” He said.