Sanju Samson’s foray into international cricket began on July 19, 2015, marking the commencement of a journey that has been marked by both promise and frustration. Despite exhibiting commendable performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Samson’s opportunities on the international stage have been limited, with only 13 ODIs and 24 T20Is under his belt.

Stats That Speak: Consistency Amidst Challenges

Samson’s batting prowess shines through in his ODI record, boasting an average exceeding 55 and a strike rate surpassing 100. While his T20I record showcases some inconsistency, it’s crucial to note that he hasn’t had a consistent run in the playing XI, hindering his ability to cement his spot.

Also Read: Shahid Afridi Stellar T20 Performances Post-Retirement

Missed Opportunities: A Tale of Misfortune

The narrative of Samson’s international journey carries an unfortunate strand—missed opportunities. The landscape of Indian cricket has seen several players surge ahead in the race for the middle-order spots, leaving Samson on the sidelines.

1. Tilak Varma’s Unexpected Omission

Despite Samson’s impressive ODI average and a double century in List-A cricket, he was left out of the main Indian squad for the 2023 Asia Cup. Instead, the selectors opted for Tilak Varma, a rising talent yet to debut in ODIs. While Varma’s left-handed middle-order presence is valuable, the decision raised eyebrows, as Samson’s consistency seemed to merit a spot beyond just a reserve role.

2. Rishabh Pant’s ODI Entry

Samson’s T20I debut in 2015 marked his entry onto the international stage, but it took until 2021 for him to make his ODI debut. In a period when he was establishing himself as a match-winner, Rishabh Pant was chosen to don the ODI jersey in 2018. Although Pant justified his selection, the move left fans wondering if Samson’s talents were not duly explored in the 50-over format.

3. Shreyas Iyer: A Middle-Order Conundrum

The rise of Shreyas Iyer as a dependable middle-order batsman further complicated Samson’s journey. Iyer’s swift impact and consistent performances closed the door for Samson to be considered as a specialist middle-order batter in ODIs. Despite Samson’s potential, Iyer’s success secured his place in India’s playing XI, further sidelining Samson.

A Glimpse of Hope

As Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar indicated, KL Rahul’s injury has opened a window of opportunity for Samson to step onto the grand stage. Named as a reserve, Samson’s potential representation for India holds promise, as fans eagerly anticipate a performance that befits his skills.

In a career marked by flashes of brilliance and unfulfilled potential, Sanju Samson’s journey reflects the complexities of international cricket selection. The coming days might see him capitalizing on the chance to showcase his talent and make a resounding impact on the Indian cricket landscape.

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