Focus will be on wicketkeeper-batsman Samson to display consistency and justify his talent as Team India take on Sri Lanka with eye on the series
India’s Sanju Samson during the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo recently. Pic/AFP
The Indian team will want Sanju Samson to translate his phenomenal talent into consistent performances when they try to wrap up the T20I series against Sri Lanka by winning the second match here on Tuesday.
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Having beaten Sri Lanka by 38 runs in the opening encounter, the Indians are unlikely to ring in changes to the winning combination unless the team management decides to rest Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav, who are getting ready to link up with the red-ball team in the UK. However, it is expected that both will at least play tomorrow and may be rested for the last game once India have sealed the series.
New faces likely?
In case there is an alternate plan then Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad might get a look-in. But, there will be focus on Samson, who has always been rated highly but has flattered to deceive in an India jersey in all the chances that he has got.
An average of 13.75 across eight games with sufficient opportunity to bat in the top-order doesn’t bode well for Samson at a time when Indian cricket’s talent cupboard is overflowing with riches.
Rishabh Pant has left him far behind in terms of performance and Ishan Kishan, in the limited chances that he has got, has done no harm to his reputation. With KL Rahul also being a wicketkeeping option in white-ball cricket, it is high time that the Kerala man justifies the show of faith by the Indian cricket system.
Last opportunity
Samson and NCA director Rahul Dravid, who has invested in the former’s abilities, would want his ward to do more than some breathtaking cover drives or flicked sixes off fast bowlers. This series will be Samson’s last chance to impress for some time in case he fails to get a significant score in the next two games.
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