Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is currently on a hot streak with the bat in the ongoing Indian Premier League, having scored 471 runs in 11 matches. Due to his exceptional form, Kumar Sangakkara, the director of cricket for RR, believes that Samson has made a strong case to be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper at the T20 World Cup. Samson has been selected in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC event, alongside Rishabh Pant, who is making his return to the national team following a car accident.
Both wicketkeeper-batsmen have been performing well in the IPL, but based on statistics, Samson currently leads the race with his consistent performance. The RR captain has scored five half-centuries in 11 matches this season.
In a high-intensity match on Tuesday, Samson smashed 86 runs off 46 balls, but unfortunately, his efforts were not enough as the Capitals emerged victorious by 20 runs at home.
Although Sangakkara downplayed the Pant versus Samson debate in the post-match press conference, he clearly stated his preference.
“It’s really up to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma and how they see the combination,” Sangakkara told reporters.
“But he has made his case, so hopefully he’ll have a good run in the World Cup.”
Samson has led his team admirably and currently ranks as the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament, trailing only Virat Kohli (542) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (541).
Pant, who has been praised for his performance both behind the stumps and with the bat after recovering from his accident, is also among the top 10 batsmen with 413 runs from 12 matches.
Sangakkara highlighted Samson’s improved clarity in his approach this season and how he has addressed previous issues that affected his performance.
“With Sanju, the biggest difference this season is his clarity in batting approach,” said former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Sangakkara.
“He’s changed his mindset about the importance of rest and recovery, rather than just constant training leading to mental and physical fatigue.”
This will be Samson’s first appearance in the T20 World Cup with the Indian team, and Sangakkara has expressed his confidence in his franchise captain, calling him a valuable team player.
“He’s a special talent, and when he’s focused and rested, there’s no limit to what he can achieve,” Sangakkara concluded.
