Sanju Samson has got talent, has skillset to succeed: Rohit Sharma

As skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid take to the drawing board to chalk out their plans looking ahead at this year’s World T20 in Australia, the two will have plenty of options to consider. While India is blessed with the luxury of some excellent cricketers within their set-up, it could sometimes also be looked at as a problem of plenty. However, there are a few cricketers who are often seen as being just a step ahead of the rest. With one such cricketer being Sanju Samson.

The Kerala-born cricketer, who burst onto the scene in 2013, playing for Rajasthan Royals at the IPL, has for long been touted as the next batting superstar. The latest to throw his weight behind the wicketkeeper-batter is none other than the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma. Sharma believes Samson has all that it takes to be a top cricketer, be it the talent or skills required, however, it is now up to the player to utilize it.

“Samson has got talent man, whenever you see him bat in the IPL, he has produced that innings where everyone goes over the moon watching that innings, he has got the skillset to succeed. That is the whole point about the sport, a lot of people have skill and talent, how you utilize it is the most critical part,” said Sharma during a press conference before the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

It is now up to Sanju Samson how he wants to use that talent and maximize it: Rohit Sharma

Sharma also feels that with Samson’s stellar shot-making skills and compact back foot play, Samson could well be a key batter for India on the pacey Australian surfaces. The skipper stated they do see the ability that the 27-year old possesses to succeed and hopes the team management can give him whatever confidence he needs to be able to excel when presented with an opportunity.

“It is now up to Sanju Samson how he wants to use that talent and maximize it because as team management, we see a lot of potential and a lot of talent in that individual. I hope we give him that confidence whenever he gets an opportunity. He is definitely into consideration and that is why he is part of the team. His backfoot play is superb. When you go to Australia, you need that shot-making ability, Samson has it in him. I just hope he utilizes his potential.” he added.

The batter has been in and out of the Indian team over the last few years. While he has showcased his talent on several occasions in the IPL, somehow, Samson has not been successful enough in sealing his spot in the Indian set-up. He has so far turned out in ten T20I games for India returning with a mediocre average of 11. The right-handed batter, however, should have been instilled with some much-needed confidence hearing his captain showing complete faith in him.