T20 World Cup 2024: “This is the best Sanju Samson that India will get at the international level” – Sanjay Manjrekar

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar reckons India should make the most of in-form Sanju Samson in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Samson has often been criticised for not being consistent enough at the top level. However, Samson had a good run in IPL 2024 while leading Rajasthan Royals.

Samson scored 531 runs in 15 innings at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.46, with five half-centuries. Thus, he played a key role in taking RR to the playoffs but they lost the second qualifier against SRH.

Manjrekar feels Samson should play ahead of Shivam Dube if the latter is not going to contribute with the ball.

Manjrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo, “Absolutely right (Sanju should play as the better batter if Dube isn’t going to bowl). I believe Sanju Samson has finally matured and this is the best Sanju Samson that India will get at the international level.”

Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower also concurred with Manjrekar’s thoughts and said Samson can be more handful than Dube in the high-octane clash against Pakistan.

“I don’t think India are going to use much of Dube’s bowling. So if it’s a straight shootout for batting class, you might want to judge what the matchups are against the opposition bowlers, could Dube’s ability to hit spin match up well against whatever opposition, or you need a greater skillset like Sanju has got? He plays the ball late, got beautiful timing, and can play the pull shot, that could be deemed a better technique to use against Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, Manjrekar noted that Rishabh Pant is a better keeper than Samson. However, Samson could only manage a solitary run against Bangladesh in the warm-up while opening the innings and the renowned analyst feels it must have had an impact on Samson’s confidence.

“On pure keeping, Rishabh Pant is the better keeper. Let’s accept that because Rishabh Pant is your Test keeper and Sanju Samson has never been in contention to take that spot. That first warm-up game has done a bit of damage to Sanju Samson. He was my No. 3, to begin with. I had Rishabh Pant down at No. 5. But Sanju Samson struggled a bit short. That is what happens when you are a fringe player and get small opportunities.”

India will next take on arch-rivals Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Sunday.