Regarding Sanju Samson’s exclusion from India’s ODI team, S Sreesanth disagrees with the general consensus.
Sanju Samson’s absence has been a topic of conversation in the Indian cricket community ever since the roster for the ODI World Cup 2023 was announced. The wicket-keeper batsman was not selected for either the Australia ODI series or the 15-man World Cup team. Former India pacer S Sreesanth expressed his dismay at the’sympathy’ the player is receiving as fans debate whether Samson deserved to be included in India’s ODI team, at least for the Australia series.
Sreesanth stated in a conversation on Sportskeeda, “I think it’s the right decision because it’s crucial for a player to understand himself. “Everyone rates him highly, from Gavaskar Sir to Harsha Bhogle Sir to Ravi Shastri Sir. There is no question about his competence. However, when someone tells him to play in tune, he doesn’t pay attention. He is capable of altering his mindset.
Samson and Sreesanth allegedly spoke about his application on the 22-yard strip, according to Sreesanth. But the wicket-keeper batter’s lack of consistency, which is expected of a player at his level, continues to surprise the former bowler.
The only thing I ever say to him when I see him is, “Sanju, read the wicket. Don’t attack every bowler at once. Think. Wait for the right opportunity, and you can strike anyone at any time, anyplace.
Sreesanth is well aware of Samson’s enormous fan base. The India speedster who won the World Cup in 2011 believes Samson receives a lot of sympathy from his supporters but not the kind of praise for his efforts that is necessary to succeed at this level.
“Every Malyali who supports him, including me, says he doesn’t get chances. We are unable to say that. He had opportunities against Sri Lanka and Ireland, and he has played in the IPL for ten years. He has been playing since 2013, has served as captain as well, and has only recorded three 100-point performances. He also lacks consistency, the coach added.
“I’ll say, ‘Waqt kiske liye nahi rukta’ (time doesn’t stop for anyone’). Everyone talks about time, therefore I’ll also tell Sanju that. Many wonderful folks are moving in. Even the two keepers competing in the Asia Games (Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma). Make a statement while everyone is mentioning you. “Getting sympathy is very simple, but getting appreciation is tricky,” he remarked.
But Sreesanth is still certain that Samson would rejoin the Indian team. In fact, he believes the Kerala hitter might be successful in all three formats of the game with a small mental adjustment.
Sreesanth promised, “He’ll be back.” If he changes his thinking, he’ll play in all forms, including Tests, ODIs, and T20s. Although I don’t think he will alter his perspective, I sincerely hope that a player of such potential doesn’t waste it by simply participating in the IPL. He needs to adjust his strategy, but he won’t. I don’t want to try to alter someone who is unwilling to change.
