- Indian cricket connoisseurs, experts, and crazy fans would be exasperated by the repeated failure of batter-keeper Sanju Samson in the recently concluded India-New Zealand five-match T20 series. The series was played out, leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka. Of course, the series was won hands-down by Team India 4-1 on the back of some superlative performances and an all-round display by the home team. The remarkable outcome of the series was the spectacular showcasing of a rare talent by opening batter Abhishek Sharma, whose penchant for going at the bowlers right from the word go is proving to be an extremely breathtaking adventure. Abhishek’s clean hitting abilities are a big plus for Team India. Period.
PC: Republic World
- The stature of Abhishek is growing by the day is stating the obvious. Cricket pundits from across the world are singing peans about the unique talent whose blitzkrieg at the top means Team India has taken off at a brisk pace. If Abhishek delivers at the top, most often, Team India crosses the finishing line quite comfortably. Another big takeaway from the series that concluded recently is the return to form of Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who showcased why he is such a vital cog for Team India in the shortest format of the game. His ability to play shots all around the wicket is a gift that only a few players are bestowed with. SKY must be feeling a lot better with the outcome, with his bat doing the talking and the team winning the series.
PC: Outlook India
- Batter-keeper Ishan Kishan, drafted late in place of injured Tilak Verma, showed what a precocious talent he is. The manner with which Ishan went about clobbering the hapless Kiwi bowlers was a treat in itself. The eye-pleasing, effortless repertoire of stroke play displayed by Ishan in the series must have made the Team Management mighty pleased. However, the form of perennially under-the-radar batter-keeper Sanju Samson must have caused the Team Management to be a real concern heading into the ensuing World Cup. The lean scores in five matches do not augur well for the player and the Team. As expert eyes well-versed in cricket would have noticed, Sanju Samson’s initial movement must be a revealing factor. The movement says it all.
PC: The Indian Express
- Front and back movement by the batters is considered par for the course by experts. What is noticeable with Sanju is his back leg going towards on-side thereby restricting shot-making abilities greatly. This glaring technical flaw has been brutally exposed by the Kiwi bowlers, resulting in a string of low scores. Moreover, the tentativeness in the whole-body language clearly indicates that Sanju is under tremendous pressure to deliver. Unfortunately, the technical flaw has severely compromised his once free-flowing hitting abilities. Don’t be surprised if Ishan’s blazing form would compel the Team Management to bench Sanju once again. Here, Sanju cannot feel short-shifted simply because he has failed to make the opportunities count.
