India's 1983 World Cup-winner Kris Srikkanth has lambasted Sanju Samson's performance in the recently-concluded T20I series against England. Sanju Samson failed to deliver with the bat in the five-match series. Samson's returns were meager, managing only 51 runs across five innings. Samson came into the series on a high, having scored three centuries in his previous five T20I appearances. However, he could replicate his recent T20I success in the series against England. Across five innings Samson only managed to score 51 runs, with his highest score being a modest 26 runs in the first T20I held in Kolkata. More concerning than the low scores was the manner of his dismissals against England's pace attack. Samson struggled against deliveries aimed at his body, repeatedly falling victim to their short-ball strategy. He was dismissed three times by Jofra Archer, once by Saqib Mahmood, and once by Mark Wood, all caught in the deep on the leg side.
Is Sanju Samson going on an ego trip or struggling?: Kris Srikkanth
Meanwhile, former India's star opener Srikkanth launched a scathing attack on Samson, criticising his batting approach. He questioned Samson's decision to repeatedly try and attack the short deliveries, resulting in simple catches for the fielders, rather than attempting to avoid the obvious trap set by the English bowlers.
“Sanju Samson seems to have missed the bus. For the fifth time, getting out in the same manner. He has played a similar shot. I think he is trying to show his ego. He is trying to say ‘no, no, I will play this shot’. Is he going on an ego trip or struggling? I am not sure,” Srikkanth said in his Youtube channel.
Srikkanth fires 'Yashavi Jaiswal' warning to Sanju Samson
Srikkanth didn't stop there and went on to say that Samson's recent slump in form could jeopardise his future in T20Is. While acknowledging Samson's previous centuries against South Africa and Bangladesh, Srikkanth stated that his disappointing performance against England could cost him his place in the Indian T20I team. He also cautioned the star batter and said that if Samson continues to bat like this, Yashavi Jaiswal might end up replacing him.
“It’s very sad. I am disappointed. We spoke about why he was not picked in the Champions Trophy squad. If he continues playing like this, let’s say thank you, sorry, Yashasvi Jaiswal is back. In the next T20I match, Yashasvi automatically comes in, in my opinion,” Srikkanth added.
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Sanju Samson out of action for over a month due to fractured finger
Samson has given the Indian team a massive injury scare as the star wicketkeeper-batter sustained a fracture to his index finger after being hit by a Jofra Archer delivery during the fifth T20I against England. Reportedly Samson will be sidelined for over a month due to this injury.
"Samson has fractured his right index finger. It will take him five to six weeks before he can resume proper nets. So there is no chance of him playing the Ranji Trophy quarter-final for Kerala (vs J&K) in Pune from February 8-12. In all likelihood, his comeback will happen in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals," a BCCI source told PTI.
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