Reflections on Sanju Samson's Omission from India T20 Squad

Recently, Sanju Samson, a promising Indian cricketer, was not selected for the T20 series against South Africa. This decision has sparked much debate, with many arguing that he deserves a spot in the team due to his potential and contributions over the years.

Sanju Samson's Performance and Selection Criteria

Sanju Samson has been an active member of the Indian T20 team for several years, participating in 13 T20I matches. However, his performances in these matches have not been particularly impressive. The question that arises is whether Sanju should continue to be considered for selection or whether the selectors have other criteria in mind. One argument that is commonly heard is the idea of a 'North Indian cricket lobby.' It is important to note that Dinesh Karthik, a prominent T20 player, is also from Tamil Nadu, thus dispelling the notion of a regional bias.

Continuous Improvement and Adaptation

Sanju Samson possesses the skills and techniques that any cricket enthusiast would admire. Yet, he needs to adapt and refine his gameplay to succeed at the highest levels. Currently, his style of play is somewhat inconsistent, partly due to his playing mentality, which seems to revolve around the mantra, "That's how I play." This mindset may be hindering his chances of being selected for the Indian T20 team. The issue extends beyond Samson alone, as it manifests in other players such as Linus Shaw.

Analyze Performance through IPL Career Trends

Samson’s performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is worth examining. Early in his IPL career, he displayed consistent performances, making high-scoring runs. However, as the season progressed, his innings became shorter, with more scores in the 20s and 30s range. Although his strike rate was impressive, it did not translate into high averages, and his game sense seemed to deteriorate over time. It is crucial to recognize that strike rate and average are both important aspects of T20 cricket, and neither should be completely disregarded.

BCCI's Decision-Making Process

The decision-making process of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is a subject of much speculation. Despite scoring 400 runs at a strike rate of 150, Samson’s average is not among the top performers. Similarly, Linus Shaw, who also has a high strike rate, also faces the same issue. These players, along with other skilled but average performers, might be overlooked in favor of those with more flashy averages. This pattern is reminiscent of an earlier player, David Warner, who was initially a high-strike-rate player with a relatively low average. Over time, Warner improved his game, not just in terms of strike rate but also in consistency and overall match sense.

Balance and Opportunity in Cricket

The selectors have a tough job to balance the deck of talent. Sanju Samson’s case is also complicated by the decision to include Pant and Kishan in the squad. If Pant had not been rested, Sanju might have been on the edge of selection. Sanju’s ability to rotate the strike, manage pressure, and maintain consistent performance is a significant asset to the team. His current average, albeit not the highest, is still respectable, and his skill set more than justifies playing for the national team.

In conclusion, while the selectors have their reasons for not including Sanju Samson in the current T20 squad, the broader implications for players like Samson and Shaw should not be overlooked. Cricket, like any sport, thrives on a mix of talent and consistency. It would be beneficial if the BCCI prioritized opportunities for players to showcase their talent consistently and adapt their game to the evolving demands of T20 cricket.