Former India coach Ravi Shastri had a stern message to the Indian team saying that talented keeper-batter Sanju Samson should be given a long run in the Indian T20 team. The Kerala lad was once backed by captain Rohit Sharma ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022, but lack of opportunities meant he was not picked.
India did not make the final at the T20 World Cup, let alone win the trophy. The trophy-less streak continued as India faced a semi-final exit last week in Adelaide against England.
Moments after the loss, Shastri was in conversation on Star Sports, and in a furious mood, opined that it is time India gave Samson an array of opportunities, urging the management to back him for 10 straight matches and then take a call.
"Look for other youngsters like Sanju Samson...do na chance. 10 match do usko. Aisa nehi ki do match khelaya and phir nikala. Baithao dusre logon ko. Do 10 match. Phir dekhna 10 match ke baad, decide karo ki aur opportunty dena hai ki nehi (Give him a chance. Give him 10 matches. Not like you play him in two games and then drop him. Drop the others, give him 10 matches and then take a call whether to give him moe opportunities or not)," he said.
Samson was not picked for either Asia Cup or T20 World Cup, but has been roped in for the New Zealand T20I series. While the first T20I was rained out, Samson was not picked in the XI for the second match at Mount Maunganui.
