Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Subramaniam Badrinath has strongly advocated for Sanju Samson to retain his role as an opener for the Indian T20I side, urging the team management to back the CSK star despite his recent lean patch against New Zealand. Badrinath believes that Samson is the likely choice for the opening slot in the upcoming T20 World Cup and needs consistent game time to build confidence.
Speaking on Star Sports, Badrinath suggested that if a change is necessary upon Tilak Varma's return, it should be Ishan Kishan who makes way, allowing Samson to continue opening. Samson has struggled in the ongoing series, managing only 16 runs across three innings, but Badrinath emphasized that T20 cricket is a high-risk format and cautioned against hitting the panic button.
Badrinath concluded by expressing faith in the wicketkeeper-batter's ability to perform when it matters most, stating, "Cometh the hour, he'll come good." This endorsement highlights the belief in Samson's talent within the cricket fraternity, even as he faces intense scrutiny over his form ahead of the marquee global event.
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“If Sanju Samson is going to open in the World Cup, which I think he will, he should play in both the remaining games (against NZ). They won't make a change just for these two matches. Even if Tilak Varma comes, his position is No.3. So, he should come in place of Ishan Kishan.”
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Sanju is a very classy player, and he needs support right now. Every player cannot score all the time, so he should get support at this stage. I feel he deserves the opportunity. He hasn’t gotten a consistent chance, sometimes he played, sometimes he was dropped. When a batter doesn’t get regular batting opportunities, he can get a little nervous. Give him these two games and if he remains out of form, he himself would probably say, don’t play me. I think at least give him five consecutive innings.
Despite a lean patch, opener Sanju Samson has received strong backing from bowling coach Morne Morkel, who believes the batter is just one innings away from regaining form.
Sanju Samson, I'll back him even if he doesn't get any runs in the next two T20Is. I am sure the management and the captain are going to back Sanju Samson. He's a quality player.

“If Sanju Samson is going to open in the World Cup, which I think he will, he should play in both the remaining games (against NZ). They won't make a change just for these two matches. Even if Tilak Varma comes, his position is No.3. So, he should come in place of Ishan Kishan.”