Malayalam News
And no one can replace Sanju like that. In Sanju’s journey towards the 2023 ODI World Cup, none of the selectors can stand in the way. He has prepared himself to succeed MS Dhoni! But Sanju, don’t be Dhoni, just be yourself. Fans say that’s what we like.
Dhoni was reminded of Sanju’s innings in Lucknow. When Dhoni is at the crease, the opposition does not relax until the last ball. Sanju also made such an impact. Sanju is following the path of Dhoni who came as a top order batsman and evolved into a finisher! As the journey progresses. Very promising moves are coming from BCCI.
In these last 10 matches, not out in five, 296 runs at 73.50, strike rate above 100; Sanju Samson 2.0 has got the start that any star in ODIs aspires to. When we add the performance in the recent South Africa series, there is an indication that the middle order of the Indian batting in ODI cricket will be safe in the hands of Sanju.
Many senior players have praised Sanju’s performance in the India South Africa ODI series. In itself, the observation made by Team India’s ‘Cricipedia’ R. Ashwin is noteworthy. The second chapter of Sanju Samson has started with this series. Ashwin’s response was, ‘Watch out for Sanju’s journey ahead.’
Sanju made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka last year. Sanju, who came to bat one down that day, scored 46 runs off 46 balls and got out. In later matches, Sanju’s scores were 12, 54, 6, 43 and 15. In all these matches, Sanju batted in opener, one down and two down positions. In many matches that got off to a good start, getting out for unnecessary shots led to criticism.
The BCCI is extending an opportunity to Sanju at a stage where his place in the team will be lost due to lack of stability. The BCCI told Sanju that if he can move from the top order to the middle order, let’s see if he can play in the finisher role. Sanju himself reveals that after the South Africa series, he was told to switch to the finisher role and has been working towards it for the past year.
Sanju’s performance in the South Africa series was the result of that effort. Sanju’s score in the series was 86* in the first match, 30* in the second match and 2* in the last match. Apart from being not out in all 3 matches, Sanju’s focus was on controlling the big hits from the start and building an anchor innings to lead the team to victory.
It is not possible to say that Sanju’s place in the Indian team has been fixed by judging only his performance in one series. Sanju has to compete with Ishan Kishan, who has brought out his batting excellence in this series, and Rishabh Pant, the first wicket keeper of Team India. Kishan and Pant have the advantage of being left handed. But Sanju’s chances will increase in ODIs as Pant is concentrating on Test and Twenty20 formats. Kishan staying opener will also benefit Sanju. Moreover, Ball’s lack of form and fitness are holding the star back. If he doesn’t fill it, the next match will be only with Ishant Kishan. Pant is now being criticized for being in the team only at the mercy of the selectors.
Not only that, BCCI has not yet been able to fill the role of the perfect finisher left vacant by MS Dhoni’s retirement. While Hardik Pandya has graced the role of finisher to some extent in T20Is, there is currently no one who can lay claim to this role when it comes to ODIs. If he can continue his excellence in finishing, Sa!nju may get a chance to succeed Dhoni in the role of finisher.