As Sanju Samson realised his true potential with a record-breaking unbeaten 97 in a record-breaking run chase in a virtual quarterfinal against Wst Indies, skipper Suryakumar Yadav copped criticism for what he said earlier in the tournament. Suryakumar had asked the journalists in the pre-match press conference ahead of Super 8 clash against South Africa who would they drop to get Samson in playing eleven. The video went viral after India faced a comprehensive defeat to South Africa and resurfaced when Samson took India to the semifinals. While Suryakumar drew flak for his comments, Sanju’s father Samson Vishwanath, came to his aide. Vishwanathan hailed Suryakumar and head coach Gautam Gambhir for backing Samson.
“He (Suryakumar Yadav) has no ego. He acknowledges his teammates and supports them," Vishwanath said while speaking to a Kerala local daily, Mathrubhumi.
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“He is a real captain. We all know how much Suryakumar Yadav supports Sanju. We should not take that word to that level. There should be a slight difference in the way he speaks. We should see that difference.
“Whatever he said in that press conference was not intentional. No one has backed Sanju as much as Surya and Gambhir. Surya is also like a son to me," he added.
What Suryakumar had said in the press conference?
“Are you telling me I should include him in place of Abhishek?” Suryakumar asked.
“Oh so I should play him instead of Tilak (Verma)?”.
As India’s off-spin issue continued, the think tank had to make a change. Ishan Kishan dropped to no.3, Samson opened with Abhishek Sharma whereas Tilak Varma was slotted in the middle order.
Samson’s turn to defy match-ups
Samson has regained form but he has another challenge to face in the semifinal. While he curbed his instinct to play a pull shot on every short ball, he will be tested by former Rajasthan Royals (RR) teammate Jofra Archer. From five innings against the English, Samson has managed to score 51 runs at a strike rate of 118.60. He will also have the responsibility to nullify the threat posed by an in-form Will Jacks if Harry Brook picks him for the job in powerplay overs.