Published: Dec 04, 2020, 02:10 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 04, 2020, 02:10 PM (IST)
Social media users seem to be pretty happy with the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson in India’s playing XI for the series opening first T20I against Australia in Canberra on Friday. Samson had a fruitful IPL 2020 following which he was selected in India’s limited-overs squads for the ongoing tour.
The Kerala batsman made his India debut in 2015 but has only played four T20Is so far having managed just 35 runs in them. The 26-year-old Samson finished as Rajasthan Royal’s leading run-getter of the season with 375 runs including two half-centuries.
With MS Dhoni retiring from limited-overs cricket as well earlier this year, the competition for the wicketkeeper-batsman has become more intense. Rishabh Pant was the preferred choice, across formats, before a series of low scores saw him falling below in the pegging order.
In Tests as well, India have gone ahead with Wriddhiman Saha despite Pant not doing anything wrong. Saha has been the first-choice in red-ball format purely because of superior wicketkeeping skills.
Sanju Samson in Indian colors oh yes. 😍❤️
Arjun (@LifeIsAnElation) December 4, 2020
Today kit sixes welcome playing 11 #SanjuSamson
Greesan ✨ (@sathuragreesan) December 4, 2020
Sanju Samson deserves this rn.#AUSvIND #SanjuSamson#FSCA chenna #Magnetcc chennai #Globetrotters Chennai@venkysplace
venkysplace (@venkysplace) December 4, 2020
YES YES YES… FINALLY Samson into the action. Let’s see some cracking six.#SanjuSamson #AUSvIND #T20 @IamSanjuSamson #IndiavsAustralia
Ben (@imBen_003) December 4, 2020
No Manish Pandey is really good in T20. He can play well in ODi. Sanju samson is hitter with gud SR it’s what we need. Around mid 12 to 15 overs. @imVkohli 👌🏻
Venky (@PrimeRonaldoCR7) December 4, 2020
We have a Cracker called Sanju Samson to lit the sky #CricketKaAsliRang #boldperformer @SonySportsIndia
Rohan Amara (@RohanAmra) December 4, 2020
Sanju Samson is playing and I’m happy 🥰
Hope He and Manish both does well. #AUSvIND #1stT20I
Mukesh Srivastwa (@marvelousmukesh) December 4, 2020
Sanju Samson should bat at No. 4 in all three games in that way He will get some time in the middle. #AUSvIND
Aditya Saha (@adityakumar480) December 4, 2020
In limited-overs. KL Rahul has been used as a makeshift wicketkeeper but he has been decent behind the stumps and his ability to bat at different spots with ease adds more balance to Indian team.
With T20 World Cup less than a year away, these T20Is offer the fringe players a chance to prove their credentials.
