Fellow Keralite and former Indian cricketer, S Sreesanth was critical of Sanju Samson’s attitude and suggested that he follow the advice of Indian cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri. (Image: AFP)
India’s ODI and T20 World Cup winning fast bowler, S Sreesanth suggested that Sanju Samson focus on scoring on a consistent basis if he is to have a better shot at being selected for the Indian team.
Indian wicketkeeper-batter, Sanju Samson’s snub from the 2023 ICC World Cup and Asian Games squad is one decision that has been met with a lot of scrutiny by former cricketers and fans alike.
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Many were sympathetic to Sanju Samson including the likes of former Indian cricketer, Irfan Pathan and many others. But surprisingly, fellow Keralite and former Indian ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup winner, S Sreesanth was critical of Sanju Samson and did not feel the same as his fellow peers.
He was critical of Samson and insisted that he change his ‘attitude’ as he reminded everyone of the increasing competition for spots in the Indian playing eleven.
Sreesanth had spoken to Sportskeeda where he supported the BCCI selector’s decision to not go ahead with Sanju Samson for the World Cup squad. He insisted that the wicketkeeper-batter listen to the advice given by legendary Indian players like Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar who suggested showing some patience about his batting.
Sreesanth was quoted by Sportskeeda where he said,” There’s no doubt about his ability. But the approach… he doesn’t listen when someone asks him to play according to pitch. That attitude and approach he needs to change. When the legends of the game are telling you to read the wicket…take your time. That is why I keep telling him the same thing, even now when I meet him…read the wicket first and bat accordingly.”
He also added, “Among the Malayali community there is the notion that Samson has not been able to get enough chances which Sreesanth disagreed with, he said, “We Malyalis, who support him always say that he doesn’t get enough chances, but that isn’t right. Because he got regular chances against Ireland and Sri Lanka. He has been playing IPL for the last 10 years, is now the captain, and has three hundreds to his name, but he hasn’t shown consistency. Look at Rishabh Pant. He has scores of some 300s for his state team.”
Finally, he even addressed Sanju directly and implored him to focus on his consistency given that he is not the young talent that broke through the Rajasthan Royals side.
He said, “Sanju if you are listening, you have to score a lot of runs and consistently. Don’t ever think that you are not getting enough opportunities. You are getting. You are not a youngster anymore. You are not a 19-year-old; you are going to be 35 in no time. So use this remaining year. There is no question about his talent at all. There are a lot of people coming.
He added, “In the Asian Games, there are two good keepers part of the Indian team. Sympathy milna bohot easy hain, appreciation milna difficult hai and uskeliye consistency chaiye India keliye (It is very easy to get sympathy from people, but what you need is appreciation which will come with a consistent show for India). It is just a matter of time,” he said.