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Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav backs Sanju Samson as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter for the England series. Samson scored 471 runs in 12 games under Coach Gambhir.
Suryakumar Yadav has no doubts that Sanju Samson is his go-to wicketkeeper batter. (Picture Credit: AP)
There seems to be no doubts on the Indian T20I skipper, Suryakumar Yadav’s mind regarding who starts as his wicketkeeper-batter. Sanju Samson has been India’s go-to man in the Gautam Gambhir era and the skipper suggested that the Keralite has made the most of his opportunities.
Suryakumar who was part of the press conference ahead of the upcoming England T20I series, has backed Samson to continue his stellar form amidst his ongoing dispute with the Kerala Cricket Association, regarding his participation in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.
“Currently, there’s no question mark on the wicket-keepers. Sanju has done really well in the last 7-10 games and he’s really shown what he is capable of. That’s what we want from all the players in the side, not only the wicketkeeper-batters all the 6-7 batters, have good intent and keep the team first and moving forward in the right direction. Also, he’s got that opportunity and he’s made use of it and I’m really happy for him,” the skipper shared.
Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the T20I format, Samson found his place at the top of the order where he has amassed a total of 471 runs in 12 games at an average of 42.81 and a strike rate of 189.15. The Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir has been a vocal advocate for Samson’s inclusion before his role as the coach, since his appointment, the Kerala batter has been getting a consistent run of games where he has put on performances regularly.
His most recent run of games against South Africa saw the 30-year-old see contrasting efforts where he would either go for a duck or score a century. He will hope to score more runs for his side in the upcoming T20I series against England, set to begin on January 22, in Kolkata.
India has opted to choose Dhruv Jurel as the backup keeper for the T20I series, but it is more than likely that Samson will be used as their first-choice gloveman for the entirety of the series. It would not be out of the question if Samson is asked to lose the gloves for a game or two as he can also be a deadly fielder as seen in his time in the Indian Premier League.
