Badrinath Questions Team Management Over Samson’s Absence
In a recent live TV segment, former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath expressed concern over Sanju Samson’s ongoing absence from the T20 International playing XI. Badrinath, known for his time with the Chennai Super Kings, highlighted the puzzling choice of Shubman Gill for the opening slot instead of Samson.
This statement followed a disappointing performance by Gill, who was dismissed for a duck in the second T20I match against South Africa held in Mullanpur on December 12. This marked Gill’s third single-digit score out of his last six T20I innings, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. In the series opener in Cuttack, Gill scored just four runs from two balls.
Badrinath questioned why the team continues to favor Gill at the top of the order despite his recent struggles. After a significant absence from the squad, Gill returned as the vice-captain. This decision saw a previously successful opening pair of Samson and Abhishek Sharma being changed to accommodate him. Initially, Samson was asked to bat in the middle order but was later left out of the starting XI during a tour in Australia last October.
Badrinath noted, “Sanju Samson has scored three hundreds in T20 cricket. That speaks volumes about a player’s ability. It’s painful to see him sit on the bench while performing well.”
He also emphasized that a player should truly have a guaranteed spot in the XI to serve as vice-captain. He pointed out that India has plenty of talent in T20 cricket, questioning the need for such a controversial selection.
Confusion Among Team Management, Says Srikkanth
Adding to Badrinath’s concerns, former India captain Kris Srikkanth echoed similar feelings, mentioning the inconsistencies in the selection process. He pointed out that Samson’s impressive strike rate puts him at another level compared to Gill.
Srikkanth also raised concerns about the confusing strategies being employed by the management, noting discrepancies in their explanations. He questioned the decision to place Axar Patel in the No. 3 batting spot during a chase of 214 runs, where Axar struggled to make an impact, scoring just 21 runs.
After Samson’s exceptional performance where he scored 417 runs with a strike rate of 182 in T20s since the last World Cup, he remains sidelined. In contrast, Gill, during the same period, scored 506 runs with a lower strike rate of 136.
While the team management continues to back Gill, batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate remarked that he has noticed some positive changes in Gill’s approach during matches. He urged patience, acknowledging that dismissals happen and shouldn’t entirely define a player’s capability.
Looking ahead, Gill is expected to retain his spot as the opener when India faces South Africa in the third T20I in Dharamsala on Sunday. With several T20 matches lined up before the World Cup, the management has much to consider.
