Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif acknowledged that Sanju Samson is likely grappling with a sense of unfairness after being pushed down the batting order and later omitted from the playing XI. The wicketkeeper-batter last featured in the second T20I against Australia at the MCG and has since been sidelined for six consecutive matches.
India’s continued backing of vice-captain Shubman Gill at the top, along with Jitesh Sharma’s sharp wicketkeeping and finishing skills, has further complicated Samson’s chances of a comeback. Despite Gill’s dip in form, the team management has persisted with him.
Since his return to the T20I side, which initially forced Samson out of the opening slot, Gill is yet to score a half-century. Kaif opined that while India need not formally announce Gill’s exclusion, a change is necessary, particularly with the World Cup approaching.
“So, if you want to keep things in control, don’t use the word drop (with Gill), just say that you are giving him a break, or want to try out a different player. But they have to go with a new player in these next two matches.”
“Whomever that player is, he deserves those matches, he has the right. He must be thinking Gill is playing for a year, and I have been dropped after 2-3 poor innings. That player is Sanju Samson,” Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
“Time To Take A Call” – Kaif Says Gill Has Had Enough Chances
Mohammad Kaif added that Gill has been given plenty of opportunities, and since he hasn’t delivered, Team India must take a hard decision.
“There may be one or two players, like X Factor players who deserve special treatment in terms of opportunities, but look at Shubman Gill now, how many innings has he got already? It is not like we have started talking about this now, we have been talking about this for quite some time now. You have to take a call now, the time has come,” he added.
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