The Indian cricketer Sanju Samson, with his elegant and effective batting style, has consistently been a topic of discussion among cricket fans and experts. He possesses a unique ability to combine classical strokes with powerful hitting, making him a formidable middle-order batter.
Despite his impressive performances, his place in the Indian team has often been uncertain. This ongoing debate about his role and potential prompted former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif to share his thoughts on why Sanju Samson should be a key player for the national team.
According to Mohammed Kaif, Sanju Samson is a crucial asset for India, especially for his exceptional six-hitting ability. Kaif highlights that Sanju Samson’s skills are particularly effective against spin bowlers, specifically mentioning his potential to counter a bowler like Rashid Khan during the middle overs of a match. He believes Sanju Samson’s talent for hitting sixes makes him an ideal player to take on such challenges.
Mohammed Kaif also pointed out that Sanju Samson has a strong track record of performing well in difficult conditions. He recalled Sanju Samson’s success in South Africa, a country known for its challenging batting pitches, where he scored two centuries as an opener. Additionally, Kaif noted that Sanju Samson consistently performs in the Indian Premier League (IPL), scoring between 400 and 500 runs each season. In fact, he is among the top ten six-hitters in the history of the IPL, with 219 sixes to his name.
While some might see other players as competition, Mohammed Kaif firmly believes that Sanju Samson should be the first choice for the number three batting position. He argued that while a promising young player like Tilak Varma is talented, he can afford to wait for his opportunity.
Mohammed Kaif feels that Sanju Samson, being a more experienced batter, is ready to be a consistent part of the playing eleven. He emphasised that the team management should give Sanju Samson a chance to prove his worth at this crucial position in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, especially with a World Cup approaching in six months.
Mohammed Kaif concluded by saying that Sanju Samson’s experience and consistent performance over the years have earned him a rightful place in the team’s playing XI.
Do you agree with Mohammed Kaif?
