Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has strongly advocated for Chennai Super Kings' Sanju Samson to be given a consistent run in the national T20I setup, despite the wicketkeeper-batter's recent lean patch against New Zealand. Samson has managed only 16 runs across three matches, leading to renewed calls for his exclusion in favor of Ishan Kishan.
Kaif argued that Samson is a "very classy player" who is currently suffering from a lack of consistent opportunities, which can make any batter nervous. With India having already secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, Kaif believes the remaining two matches offer a perfect, low-pressure environment for Samson to regain his form and confidence.
Kaif urged the BCCI to commit to giving Samson at least five consecutive innings before making any final decision on his place. He stressed that every player goes through periods of low scores and that support is crucial at this stage. A strong performance in the final two T20Is would be vital for Samson as he looks to cement his place ahead of the T20 World Cup and carry momentum into his next IPL campaign with CSK.
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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.”
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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.
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.

“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.”