Sanju Samson is yet to realise his potential: Ravi Shastri

Sanju Samson has been one of those players who has never got a consistent run in the Indian team. The cricketer was a part of the New Zealand series but unfortunately got dropped when the team travelled to Bangladesh, and now has once again made it to the squad for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies. In the absence of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, he will again have the opportunity to show his mettle, and if he plays well, the stumper-batter can very well seal his spot for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Meanwhile, talking about Samson, former India head coach Ravi Shastri stated that the 28-year-old is yet to realise his potential. Calling him a match-winner, Shastri mentioned that he will be disappointed if the Kerala-born cricketer finishes his career without being a star player. 

“Sanju (Samson) is yet to realise his potential. He is a match-winner. There is something that is missing. I will be disappointed if he does not finish his career all guns blazing. It is like when I was the coach, I would have been disappointed if Rohit Sharma had not played in my side as a regular Test player. Hence, his opening the batting. I feel similar with Sanju,” Shastri was quoted as saying by The Week.

You have a lot of injuries these days, you should always be prepared: Shastri

With players like KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer and Prasidh Krishna out of action at the moment, Ravi Shastri believes that the team management should keep a pool of 15-20 players ready all the time. Citing the example of the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy, Shastri mentioned that he kept Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar ready, who went to play a big role in the fourth Test against Australia at the Gabba.

“You have a lot of injuries these days. I always like a pool of 15-20. You should always be prepared, you should have a plan B, plan C. For example, when we went to Australia for that famous series in 2021, we took about 30 players. On the flight, there was Shardul Thakur and I think there was Washi [Washington Sundar], who were chatting with me. 

“And I said, ‘This is not a holiday. Do not think this is a holiday where you are a net bowler. You can play any time. So start preparing from day one.’ And, lo and behold, here comes the last Test with no one else to pick. These guys play and do a wonderful job,” Shastri added.