Sanju Samson bags a golden duck in the second game. Team India have taken a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series against Sri Lanka. Now it is time for the third and final game, which is a dead rubber match. The next game will take place on Tuesday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Sanju Samson made it into the XI after Shubman Gill had a back spasm in the second game. But Sanju’s inclusion in the third game is still doubtful, and only Gill’s fitness can clear whether the Kerala batter will get a chance or now.
But as per some reports, Gill is unlikely for the third game. So we might see Sanju Samson getting another game. But this time he needs to make sure of making the most of it, or else he might be dropped from the squad.
IND vs SL: Does Sanju Samson fit in India’s T20I squad?
There has always been a question about the place of Sanju Samson in the playing XI. He made his debut for India five years ago in July 2019, but until now he has played only 16 ODIs and 29 T20Is, which is roughly nine games a year. He has been in and out of the team many times.
But this is also true that whenever he has gotten a chance, he couldn’t capitalise it completely. As seen in the second game, he was out for a golden duck. Though some fans might argue that he hasn’t been given a particular role in the team. He has batted at No. 4, 5 and also opened the innings in T20Is.
He has been used as a slogger more. So does he fit in the playing XI? Well, getting an opportunity in the playing XI should be the first priority. Because with the talent he has, he hasn’t fully performed as per his potential in Indian colours yet. Hence, to stay in contention, he needs to perform whenever he gets a chance.
Because India already have other wicket-keeping options and youngsters coming up the ranks, it will be difficult for Sanju Samson to make a way for himself in the team. On the other hand, his inclusion for the third T20I is still not confirmed, and because Gill will be part of ODIs, India might not hurry him up and give Samson another go.
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