‘Look at Surya, for inspiration…’ – Sanju Samson’s childhood coach shares his thoughts about batter’s deselection

Sanju Samson’s childhood coach texted him after the batter was not given a chance to play in the T20I series against New Zealand. Samson’s T20I exclusion got more viral when he was dropped from the second ODI against the Blackcaps. 

The 28-year-old’s coach is keeping an eye on social media as well as in Kerala, and his coach is not happy with Samson being compared to India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant. He thinks that both players have different roles, and the two of them are not competing for one slot. 

“Now what’s happening on social media is that people are turning against Rishabh Pant for no reason. Pant is there because he has performed over a long period of time. And see there is no clash between Pant and Sanju Samson. Samson has been playing and can play for India as a pure batter. Pant’s keeping skills are very very good. If you look over a period of time, Pant has not done a major lapse or fumble behind the stumps. He has come good for India in both red and white ball over a long period of time. He might have a slump now… When you talk about impact players like Adam Gilchrist or Virender Sehwag. They must get a levy to fail,” says Biju before highlighting the political spin given to Sanju’s cricketing journey.

No time is not running out: Biju

“What I am not liking is how the mallu crowd is putting Sanju Samson against Indian Cricket Board, and belittling Rishabh Pant. It is very wrong and not at all on. I don’t believe so and it’s just that circumstances are not working in his favor. He is not being deliberately targeted. I don’t think anybody in the Indian cricketing system would be deliberately targeted. Somebody like a VVS Laxman is the coach, I don’t see that happening,” opines Biju.

Samson’s childhood coach says that he should get inspired by Suryakumar Yadav. “No time is not running out. Look at Surya, for inspiration. He arrived late to the scene and how well has he grabbed the opportunity? So Sanju shouldn’t look far for inspiration. Surya’s example is there in front of him,” says Biju.

Biju has compared both Surya and Samson and has said that both of them have the same skill set. “If you see Sanju from the U-19 days, he is a guy who can clear the ropes very easily. And he plays all around the park. Maybe not like Suryakumar Yadav’s ramp shots but he explores 360 degrees in his own way. If you remember the sixes he hit off Mitchell Johnson during an IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, you will see the range he showcased there. Square cutting for six, flicking for six, walking around and finding gaps with ease… that’s special,” says Biju.