5 Explosive batsmen who can be back-up options for T20 World Cup 2021

3. Sanju Samson

Not long ago despite having a reasonable IPL 2020, Sanju Samson was part of the Indian T20 squad. Either Rohit Sharma or some other established player had been missing from India’s top three since the beginning of the year 2020 and Samson was then infused to occupy that position in the Indian team. But with inconsistency being the hallmark of his cricket career so far, the right-handed batsman is yet to flaunt his explosive batting in international cricket. At present from his seven T20I games, the Kerala batsman only averages around 11.

In a general sense, because of his inferior show, the new selection committee has rewarded someone like Ishan Kishan as his direct replacement. But now as the IPL is approaching and with Samson also now being the skipper of the RR side, often in cricket, captaincy along with responsibly has brought out the best from some player’s game. Such can be a scenario only if Sanju Samson bats with a lot more accountability rather than falling prey to his impaired shot selection. No doubt that this right hander’s batting is tailor-made for this format but when it comes to winning matches for his team, Samson does need to tweak his steep temperament.

Overall, he is the kind of batsman who with his exuberant stroke play can fit in any of the top four positions. His explosive batting is equally impressive whether it’s against playing pace or spin. Since there is a razor-sharp competition even for the reserve players in the Indian team, the only silver lining which might help him get back into the side will be a breakthrough IPL. An IPL season where he scores around 500 plus runs along with carrying a robust strike rate of around 150 might see him being in the reckoning for a viable backup option.