Yuzvendra Chahal and Parthiv Patel have subtly cautioned Gautam Gambhir regarding the handling of Sanju Samson, emphasizing that "pressure shouldn't be an excuse" for inconsistent performance or non-selection. Their comments come amidst scrutiny of Samson's opportunities within the Indian squad, particularly with Gambhir now at the helm as India head coach.
Samson, a talented right-handed batter and wicketkeeper from Kerala, has often found himself on the fringes of the national team despite demonstrating significant potential. While he has showcased his abilities in domestic cricket and the IPL, translating that success consistently to the international stage has been a challenge. He averages 56.66 in ODIs with a strike rate of 99.60. In his last ODI, he scored 108 against South Africa.
Chahal, who has played alongside Samson, highlighted Samson's stunning wicketkeeping effort that stood as the difference in a past match. He acknowledged the pressures of international cricket but stressed that talented players need consistent backing to overcome these hurdles.
Parthiv Patel's comments indirectly addressed the situation by referencing Suryakumar Yadav's return to form. Patel noted that elite batters need just one big innings to turn things around and pointed to the clear shift in Suryakumar Yadav's confidence and approach. He highlighted how a single impactful innings can often spark a complete turnaround. Patel's analysis suggests that consistent opportunities and support are crucial for players to find their rhythm and perform at their best, regardless of the pressure they face.
Gambhir, now in a position of influence as head coach, has previously voiced strong support for Samson. An old video clip of Gambhir from 2020 went viral, where he remarked, "If Sanju Samson doesn't play for India, it's not Sanju Samson's loss. It is actually India's loss, and I hope Sanju Samson is backed the same way Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been backed". This statement has resurfaced, adding weight to the expectations surrounding Samson's future opportunities under Gambhir's guidance.
These remarks from Chahal and Patel serve as a reminder that while pressure is an inherent part of professional cricket, it should not be used as a justification for inconsistent team selection or a lack of support for players with proven talent. The onus is now on Gambhir and the team management to create an environment where players like Samson can thrive, regardless of external expectations.
