Veteran India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane believes that the team management needs to show faith in Sanju Samson despite three consecutive batting failures against New Zealand. The wicketkeeper-batter got dismissed for a duck on the very first delivery of their innings, meaning that he has now just scored 16 runs in the three matches of the series so far. The 30-year-old was expected to pick up his form as he was back at his favourite opening spot, however he has underperformed big time.
Rahane expresses faith in Samson
Despite his dismal form, Rahane wants the team and skipper Suryakumar Yadav to back Samson until the T20 World Cup at the very least. He further advised the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter to not bat like his opening partner Abhishek Sharma, who is arguably in the form of his life.
"That's where I feel the team management's role and the captain's role will be crucial, telling Sanju Samson that you're going to play all these matches and also in the World Cup as well. So don't worry about your place. Sometimes what happens is when you have a guy like Abhishek Sharma at the other end who's going really strong.Sanju Samson will have this pressure on himself as he's basically trying to match Abhishek Sharma. The only thing for Sanju Samson is sticking to his own game plan and backing himself," Rahane said on Cricbuzz.
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Rahane further said that the team management should give Samson the freedon to play in his own style just like he does at the domestic circuit. He recalled the latter's batting in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he appeared to be fearless and scored 233 runs in just six matches.
"What I saw about him in the T20 format in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well, he liked to play his game. My only thing is that the communication from the management is really important at this moment because Ishan Kishan is batting well. The team generally looks at the guy who's doing well and performing well, who's in that rhythm. So Sanju Samson is all about having that communication. Just give him the freedom. He's a quality player. He's a match winner. He just needs to back himself and then play his own game," Rahane stated.
India clinch the series
Meanwhile, despite Samson's golden duck, India went on to reach the 154-run target rather comfortably thanks to Abhishek's explosive 14-ball half-century. He remained unbeaten on 68 while Suryakumar also played a valiant knock of 57 as the Men in Blue chased down the target in just 10 overs. The victory saw the hosts take an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the series and will now be looking to maintain their form in the fourth T20I that will be held on January 28 at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.