India bowling coach Morne Morkel backed struggling Sanju Samson ahead of the fourth T20I against New Zealand. The wicketkeeper batter, who is featuring as an opener alongside Abhishek Sharma, managed to score 16 runs in three T20Is against the Blackcaps with a highest of 10 when other top-order batters like Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav were punishing the New Zealand bowlers.
Morne Morkel on Sanju Samson's form
Ahead of the fourth T20I against New Zealand, Morkel indirectly hinted that the management has a strong backing for Samson and the wicketkeeper batter will be seen featuring in the dead rubber fourth T20I, saying that the star batter is just one knock away from regaining his peak form. He also revealed that Samson is doing well in the net sessions.
"Sanju is one knock away from getting that confidence, getting that form back. For us, building up to the World Cup it's important for the guys to find that peak performance at the right time. He's training well, he's hitting the ball very well," Morkel said on the eve of the fourth T20I here.
Sanju Samson during net sessions
During India's optional net sessions, Samson spent over 30 minutes batting in the nets. He faced different bowlers, including Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Abhishek, and side-arm bowler Raghu.
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Samson looked a bit uncomfortable at the start, but soon found his rhythm. Before long, he was striking the ball cleanly and sending it to the boundaries at the ACA-VDCA Stadium.
After his batting session, the Kerala batter had a long discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on the sidelines, while Shreyas Iyer continued with his practice. The coaches were seen calmly talking Samson through a few technical points.
Meanwhile, bowling coach Morne Morkel played down concerns over Samson’s form, saying that the team’s success was more important than individual performances.
"So, I think it's just a matter of time for him to get his foot on the board. But the main focus is that the team is winning, and I think that's important. We're 3-0 up in this series at the moment, the boys are playing some very good cricket.
"We've got a couple of games now before the start of the World Cup, and I have no doubt that Sanju will find his form," added the South African.
Suryakumar Yadav-led India are currently leading 3-0 in the five-match series. The fourth T20I will take place on January 28 at ACA-VDCA Stadium.