"His problem is that he goes for one too many shots" - Aakash Chopra on Sanju Samson as India's potential opener in IND vs BAN 2024 1st T20I
Aakash Chopra expects Sanju Samson to partner Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order in the first T20I between India and Bangladesh. While praising the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter's effortless strokeplay, the former India opener noted that his tendency to throw away his wicket has been an issue.
India will face Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series, with the first game to be played in Gwalior on Sunday, October 6. Abhishek is the only regular opener picked in the Men in Blue's 15-member squad for the series.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked about India's likely opening combination for the first T20I.
"Sanju re baba - make Samson open because Abhishek Sharma is certain at one end. However, since you have not picked Ruturaj Gaikwad, he was playing in the Irani Trophy, so only Sanju Samson is left. He has opened, he has played at No. 3, and we have even seen him bat down the order at No. 5 and No. 6," he responded (1:30).
"He is an incredible and mighty player. When he scores runs, he shows as if it's very easy to bat. However, his problem is that he goes for one too many shots. Then he gets out and you say - 'How did you do that Sanju, this was a chance and you let it go'," Chopra added.
The Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed in the pre-match press conference that Samson will open the batting with Abhishek. The Rajasthan Royals skipper does not have a great record as a T20I opener, aggregating 105 runs at an average of 21.00 in five innings.
"A left-hander from one end and a right-hander from the other" - Aakash Chopra on Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson
In the same video, Aakash Chopra pointed out that Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson give India a left and right-handed opening combination.
"I see Sanju as an opener along with Abhishek Sharma. So a left-hander from one end and a right-hander from the other. The Indian team will go with this opening combination keeping in mind that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were the two openers in the last (T20) World Cup you played," he said (2:05).
The cricketer-turned-commentator noted that Samson's name will be added to the plethora of players competing for the opening positions in T20Is.
"If both have taken retirement from T20Is, the place is vacant at the top only. There are many candidates and contenders there. Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhishek Sharma are there, and now Sanju Samson will also become part of that list," Chopra elaborated.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been rested for the T20I series against Bangladesh due to India's hectic Test schedule. Ruturaj Gaikwad has potentially not been picked as he was captaining the Rest of India in the recently concluded Irani Trophy.