Team India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is expected to be sidelined for over a month after reportedly fracturing his finger during the fifth T20I against England in Mumbai. The right-hander sustained the injury on his index finger while facing a delivery from Jofra Archer at the Wankhede Stadium.
As per reports, the 30-year-old has returned to Thiruvananthapuram and will resume training only after completing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He will need clearance before making a competitive comeback.
A BCCI source also indicated that Samson is unlikely to feature in the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy. The BCCI source, as quoted by PTI, stated:
“Samson has fractured his right index finger. It will take him five to six weeks before he can resume proper nets. So there is no chance of him playing the Ranji Trophy quarter-final for Kerala (vs J&K) in Pune from February 8-12.”
He is likely to make his comeback in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As the captain of Rajasthan Royals, Samson’s presence will be crucial for the team’s chances of securing their first title since the inaugural season.
Sanju Samson Falls Short, but Team India Dominate England to Clinch T20I Series
Meanwhile, the Kerala-born cricketer had a tough time in the five-match series against England, managing only 51 runs with a top score of 26 and an average of 10.20. Samson started his innings on Sunday in explosive fashion, smashing the first ball for a six, but was dismissed for 16 in the second over by Mark Wood.
His finger injury also prevented him from donning the wicketkeeping gloves when England came out to bat, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in behind the stumps. Despite Samson’s struggles, the hosts secured a dominant 150-run victory, thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 135, which powered them to 247/9.
The focus now shifts to the three-match ODI series between the two teams, starting on Thursday, February 6, in Nagpur.
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