Sanju Samson’s impressive performances in T20Is have earned him significant praise from former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar, who likened the wicketkeeper-batter to the legendary Yuvraj Singh. Samson, who has had a career marked by intermittent opportunities, made a stellar comeback last year, cementing his place in India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad and excelling in bilateral series against Bangladesh and South Africa.
Samson’s Turnaround in T20Is
After years of inconsistency and limited chances, Samson capitalized on a “good run” of matches to display his talent. Opening the batting, he delivered match-winning performances, including centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa. Reflecting on Samson’s recent success, Bangar credited the consistent opportunities as a key factor behind his resurgence.
“It’s great to see him achieving the kind of success he is enjoying right now. He has been around for a while, but the consistent run of games has given him the confidence to express himself freely. Every batter needs at least three or four matches in a row to feel settled,” Bangar told Star Sports.
Samson’s Six-Hitting Ability Draws Yuvraj Comparison
Bangar drew a flattering parallel between Samson and Yuvraj Singh, lauding the former for his effortless six-hitting ability. “Batting up the order allows him to play freely, without worrying about the situation. The field restrictions help, and he is naturally a six-hitter. After Yuvraj Singh, Samson is one batter who can hit sixes so consistently and with such ease. Watching him perform at his best is an absolute delight,” Bangar remarked.
Samson’s Likely Return to Limited-Overs Cricket
Samson is expected to feature in India’s limited-overs squad for the upcoming series against England, which will mark the team’s return to the format after several months. With KL Rahul likely to be rested, Samson is a strong candidate for a spot in both the T20I and ODI squads.
The Kerala batter last represented India in an ODI against South Africa in December 2023 and will be aiming to make a mark in the three-match ODI series as the team prepares for the Champions Trophy in February.
Samson’s ability to perform under pressure and his consistency in recent games have positioned him as a key player in India’s plans, making his return highly anticipated.
