(Source X)
Being dropped from the team is always tough for any player, but it’s especially disheartening when it happens despite a standout performance like scoring a century. Sanju Samson finds himself in this difficult position after being surprisingly left out of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, despite his recent match-winning century against South Africa under challenging conditions.
This setback could potentially have a profound impact on Samson, who has faced such challenges before in his career. Robin Uthappa, a former India batsman, acknowledges the uncertainty such decisions can bring but urges patience in interpreting the choices made by the new team management.
“From Sanju’s perspective, this is not the first time he has gone through it? I don’t think it will be the last time he will go through it as a player, but Sanju’s one-day numbers have been quite incredible.
“I think, again, with changes in leadership group or changes within the leadership group. Things have to kind of settle down a little bit and we as fans and supporters of the Indian cricket team have to give that space to kind of settle down as well,” Uthappa said in a virtual interaction organised by the Sony Sports Network.
While some see Sanju Samson’s recent exclusion as a significant setback, Robin Uthappa holds a contrasting view. The former India batsman believes that the Kerala cricketer remains in contention for the ODI squad and predicts he will have his chance in due course. Uthappa also emphasized the importance for Samson to seize those opportunities when they arise, making each opportunity count.
“So, I think Sanju is not out of contention as with any other player. I think. It’s a matter of time, and he will get his opportunity, but when the opportunities do come, he will have to grab those opportunities to make sure he steps up with solid performances that keep him in the running,” said Uthappa.
Meanwhile, India’s tour of Sri Lanka is set to kick off this month with a packed schedule. The Men in Blue are slated to compete in three T20Is starting from July 27, followed by three ODIs commencing on August 2.
