Former India opener-turned-expert Aakash Chopra has criticized the debate about Sanju Samson's batting position after the cricketer got out playing a bad shot in the second T20I between West Indies and India on Sunday, August 6 in Guyana.
Following India's loss to West Indies in the second T20I in Guyana on Sunday, August 6, Chopra pointed out that Samson cannot use his position in the batting order as an excuse for poor performance and emphasized the need to grab opportunities irrespective of the batting slot.
Samson made 7 runs and was out stumped trying to heave a ball outside the stadium as India set West Indies a target of 153 runs with Tilak Varma top-scoring with 51. In reply, the hosts chased down the target with two wickets and seven deliveries to spare, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
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Chopra criticised Samson's shot selection, particularly a poor hoick that led to his dismissal. He added that though Samson and his fans on social media might argue about him being placed at the wrong batting position, but there is a question about open spots at the top of the order.
"Sanju Samson played a bad shot. Shubman Gill at the start and Sanju Samson in the middle played bad shots. Sanju Samson and his fans can say that he is getting to bat at the wrong number. But is there a place available at the top? If it's not there, what can be done?" Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra, who played 10 Tests for India, said that there are two options- either to perform when given the opportunity or not play at all. He said that Samson must try and make the most of the opportunities he gets as he might regret not doing so in future.
"So you have two options - either you play or you don't. Try to score runs if you play at those positions or else they won't play you. 10 overs were left, so you had a chance. If you don't make the most of your chances, you will regret it later. It may sound unfair, but if a place is not there, how can a place be created?” he added.
The third T20I will be played in Guyana itself on Tuesday, August 8.
