With captain Rohit Sharma and maverick batter Virat Kohli excluded from India's T20I squad against Sri Lanka, elegant batter Sanju Samson earned a much-deserved place in India's playing XI for the first T20I against the neighbouring country on January 03 (Tuesday). Samson, who walked out to bat at No.4, failed to deceive once again and threw his wicket away after playing a reckless shot.
The right-handed batter tried to slog Dhananjaya de Silva's delivery outside the Wankhede Stadium and ended up handing a simple catch to Dilshan Madushanka at short third-man. The 28-year-old, who was handed a life one delivery prior to his actual dismissal, departed after scoring just five runs off six balls.
Former India captain and legendary batter, Sunil Gavaskar voiced frustration with Samson's choice of shot as the Kerala batter wasted another opportunity.
"And this time, it's the leading edge going to short third man. He is such a fine player. Sanju Samson has so much of talent but his shot selection sometimes lets him down. And this is one more occasion where it has disappointed," Gavaskar said on air.
Gautam Gambhir also was unimpressed by Samson's effort and urged the Rajasthan Royals captain to capitalise on chances.
"We all talk about how much talent he has but he needs to capitalise on these chances," Gambhir said during the Byju's Cricket Live Show.
Recently, Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, who has closely monitored the rise of Samson, opened up on what batting position is ideal for the 28-year-old in T20s. In an exclusive in an interview with Sports Tak, the Sri Lankan legend affirmed that Samson is most suitable to bat at No.4.
"He's ideally suited at no.4 in T20 cricket, coming in after the first seven overs are done," Sangakkara said.
"He can bat anywhere. I think in India when he plays, he has to bat out of position. He has power, he has got touch, he has got a great temperament, good head on his shoulders. He understands how to navigate difficult situations. You can slot him anywhere and he will do well," he added.
