Xtra Time Web Desk: Sanju Samson’s dismal performance in the third T20I against Afghanistan has raised concerns about his ability to secure a spot in the Indian T20I side for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. Tasked with rescuing India from a precarious situation at 24/3, Samson, batting at number 5, faced a golden opportunity to make a significant impact but unfortunately failed to do so, departing for a golden duck.
The Rajasthan Royals skipper, who was included in the playing XI in place of Jitesh Sharma, had a chance to prove his worth and reclaim his position in the T20I side. However, he struggled to capitalize on the opportunity, attempting a big pull on his very first ball from Afghanistan’s left arm quick Fareed Ahmad but mistiming it to Mohammed Nabi at covers.
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With a dwindling average of 19.7 in 24 matches and only one fifty to his name, Samson’s recent performance further adds to the scrutiny surrounding his place in the team. Having fallen down the pecking order in T20Is after Jitesh Sharma’s emergence, Samson needed a strong outing to stake his claim for a T20 World Cup spot, but his failure to make an impact may have jeopardized his chances in the upcoming tournament. His statistics of 374 runs with a highest score of 77 at a strike rate of 133 highlight the inconsistency that might hinder his inclusion in the squad for the crucial T20 World Cup.
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