IND vs NZ: Irfan Pathan comments upon Sanju Samson's failures
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his assessment of Sanju Samson’s ongoing struggles, following another disappointing outing by the wicketkeeper-batter in the T20I series against New Zealand. Samson’s dismissal for a first-ball duck in the third T20I at Guwahati once again highlighted his inconsistency, intensifying scrutiny around his place in India’s white-ball plans. The repeated failures have reignited discussions among fans and experts about whether Samson has done enough to cement a regular spot in an already crowded Indian batting lineup.
Why Sanju Samson has consistently failed so far in the IND vs NZ T20I series?
Heading into the series, Samson was well aware of the pressure surrounding his selection, with limited chances available in a highly competitive setup filled with in-form batters. Despite being backed by the team management and even entrusted with the responsibility of opening the innings earlier, the Kerala batter has been unable to convert those opportunities into impactful performances. Across four matches in the series so far, his returns have been underwhelming, managing scores of 10, 6, 0, and 24. These modest contributions have done little to ease concerns about his consistency at the international level.
Although India have wrapped up the series in convincing fashion, Sanju Samson’s individual form continues to attract significant attention. Despite the team’s success, the wicketkeeper-batter has struggled to find consistency, and his recent numbers underline the concern. Over his last 15 T20I innings, Samson has managed just 262 runs, averaging 17.46 with a strike rate of 129, and has registered only one half-century during this period. These statistics reflect a pattern of starts without substantial conversions, raising questions about his reliability at the international level.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan addressed this issue while assessing Samson’s performances, acknowledging the Kerala batter’s undeniable natural talent and shot-making ability. Pathan emphasized that Samson possesses the skill set to dominate bowling attacks on his day, but pointed out that such performances have been too infrequent. He noted that inconsistency has been a recurring theme throughout Samson’s international career, preventing him from fully cementing his place in the national side. According to Pathan, the challenge for Samson lies not in talent but in application, decision-making, and sustaining form across a run of matches. With competition for spots in India’s T20 setup growing stronger, Pathan suggested that Samson must quickly address these recurring shortcomings if he hopes to remain a long-term option for the team in white-ball cricket.
"I also said Sanju Samson is a fantastic player but not consistent. We have to accept he was never consistent. He is a quality player but his inconsistency was visible in all three games. Samson is inconsistent and he might score runs if given a chance in the next game. He will be in pressure because Ishan Kishan has scored runs and placed himself as a contender, showing the value of domestic cricket," stated former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan.
Irfan Pathan’s observations underline the intensifying competition for places in India playing XI, where consistent performances are now non-negotiable. With Ishan Kishan strengthening his case through impactful outings, the pressure on Sanju Samson has increased significantly, especially as the series progresses toward its final matches. In a team brimming with attacking options, every opportunity carries added weight, and Samson’s recent struggles have placed him firmly under the spotlight. The margins for error are slim, and competition within the squad has made selection battles more demanding than ever.
Pathan also touched upon the uncertainty surrounding Samson’s role in the side, particularly after Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I setup. Gill’s inclusion led to a reshuffle in the batting order, forcing Samson to adjust to different positions rather than settling into a defined role. This constant shift, Pathan suggested, may have disrupted Samson’s rhythm and confidence, making it harder for him to build momentum at the crease. A lack of clarity regarding batting position and expectations can often affect a player’s mindset, especially in the fast-paced T20 format. As India continue to fine-tune their combination, Samson’s ability to adapt quickly and deliver consistent performances will be crucial in determining his future in the shortest format.
"Sanju Samson is not in form and it's very noticeable. It's unfortunate for him and he was doing very well once. Then Shubman Gill came. He dropped down the order and found himself out of the side. Now Samson is searching for form. If the form doesn't come, Tilak Varma also comes back and Samson could lose his spot," Irfan added.
