Time is ticking by and patience is running thin is the case for Sanju Samson and his fans as both await to see the wicketkeeper-batter's name in the playing XI of the Indian team. As Samson continues to ride the pine, BCCI has remained unaffected by the flak they have drawn from the fans and Pant's repetitive abysmal knocks which keep Sanju at bay from the Indian team. Opportunities have been thin on the ground for the Kerala wicketkeeper even though he has risen to the occasion whenever presented with an opportunity. Yet, it still has not been enough to impress the selectors. Samson again found himself on the sidelines in the series against the Blackcaps in New Zealand where he was made to sit out the entire T20I series and played the first ODI out of three ODIS and got dropped subsequently.
Samson's childhood coach Biju speaking to News 18 however dismissed any belief that BCCI is deliberately sidelining the 28-year-old wicketkeeper. He urged Samson to not lose hope and learn from Suryakumar Yadav, who made a late entry to the Indian team but rose to prominence rapidly since his arrival.
"No time is not running out. Look at Surya, for inspiration. He arrived late to the scene and how well has he grabbed the opportunity? So Sanju shouldn’t look far for inspiration. Surya’s example is there in front of him", he said.
Praising Samson's skillset, Biju used the example of an IPL match. "If you see Sanju from the U-19 days, he is a guy who can clear the ropes very easily. And he plays all around the park. Maybe not like Suryakumar Yadav’s ramp shots but he explores 360 degrees in his own way. If you remember the sixes he hit off Mitchell Johnson during an IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, you will see the range he showcased there. Square cutting for six, flicking for six, walking around and finding gaps with ease… that’s special", he opined.
