‘Don't think anybody in Indian cricketing system would be deliberately targeted’ - Sanju Samson’s childhood coach on Pant-Samson debate

The wicketkeeper-slot in the Indian side is the hottest topic in the town at the moment as two contenders, Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant are battling it out for one spot. Notably, Samson has had a huge amount of fan base in the country as well as all over the world and the fans have been vocal on social media every time he has been dropped especially with his current form. 

Speaking on the debate, Samson’s childhood coach has revealed the negative effect of fans lashing out at Pant to enhance Samson’s case. He also felt that Pant deserved the extended opportunities in the India XI for his past performances.  

"Now what's happening on social media is that people are turning against Rishabh Pant for no reason. Pant is there because he has performed over a long period of time. And see there is no clash between Pant and Sanju Samson. Samson has been playing and can play for India as a pure batter. Pant's keeping skills are very good. 

"If you look over a period of time, Pant has not done a major lapse or fumble behind the stumps. He has come good for India in both red and white ball over a long period of time. He might have a slump now. When you talk about impact players like Adam Gilchrist or Virender Sehwag. They must get a levy to fail," Biju told CricketNext. 

Political leaders in Kerala think cricket is another game of politics: Samson’s childhood coach 

Biju further mentioned how the Kerala crowd has played a big part in Samson’s case and felt that it is not the right way. He concluded that the Indian system doesn’t target players, especially under a coach like VVS Laxman and felt that Samson has been a victim of the current circumstance.  

"What I am not liking is how the Mallu crowd is putting Sanju Samson against BCCI, and belittling Rishabh Pant. It is very wrong and not at all on. Political leaders in Kerala think cricket is another game of politics and are saying Sanju is victimised. No, not at all. I don’t believe so and it's just that circumstances are not working in his favour. He is not being deliberately targeted. I don't think anybody in the Indian cricketing system would be deliberately targeted. Somebody like a VVS Laxman is the coach, I don’t see that happening," he added.