Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has slammed the Indian team management for not giving Sanju Samson enough opportunities to prove his mettle at the highest level.

Hailed as the prodigious batting talent, Samson made his India debut in 2015 at the age of 21. For the next five years, he was overlooked in the national side before he finally earned a call-up in 2020.

As of today, Samson has represented India in 11 ODIs and 17 T20Is so far, amassing more than 600 runs with three half-centuries.

Last month, Samson sustained a knee injury and missed the white-ball series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

“He should be given a long rope. He is a high-quality player with a lot of potential. He has not been given a long opportunity. If you want to use him at No. 3, give him at least five opportunities. If you want to use him at No. 5, give him the opportunities at least. But give him a chance,” Uthappa told Times of India.

Uthappa also commented on KL Rahul’s role in the ODI team, insisting that India should not do experiment with his batting position as he has been doing well at number 5.

“He should be wicketkeeping and bat in the middle order. He has been performing well in the middle order. His average is also above 50 at 5. He should keep and bat at 5 in the World Cup. He has a phenomenal average of above 50. When he is doing well in this position, why experiment then?"

India’s first-choice wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant will be out of action for most part of the year after sustaining injuries in a horrific car crash last December

Talking about Pant’s absence, Uthappa said: “Whatever happened with Rishabh is sad. If he (Rishabh) was there, he would have been the first choice of course. In Rishabh’s absence, Rahul becomes the first choice right now. India should stick with Rahul as a keeper and batsman at No.5."