Ishan Kishan, who has been included in the Indian squad for the New Zealand series and the subsequent T20 World Cup, played brilliantly at number 3 in the absence of Tilak Varma. Some fans are of the opinion that once Tilak comes back from his injury layoff, Kishan should open alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Samson is on the bench.
Rahane, however, said Samson is a quality player and just needs to back himself to turn things around. The former India skipper said he would continue playing Samson even if he fails to score a big score in the two remaining matches against the Kiwis.
“If Tilak Varma comes back, Ishan Kishan will sit for me. Sanju Samson, I will back him even if he doesn’t score runs in the next two T20Is. I am sure the management and captain will back Sanju Samson. He is a quality player. He just has to believe in himself. He has the game and the ability. In this format, sometimes you look ugly but that’s okay. It’s always about your belief and going out there. Play with freedom and support yourself,” Rahane said on Cricbuzz.
“Let’s not compare him with Abhishek Sharma, who is on the other side. Sanju Samson has a different ability. He should go out and think about his old innings and the innings he has played for the Rajasthan Royals. Just going out and expressing himself will bring him back into form. Probably a 15-ball 25 or a 20-ball 35 is also okay. But if you spend that little bit of time and get the first overs out before you start the game from there it will be ideal for him,” he added.
Talking about Kishan, the left-handed batsman was dismissed for a five-ball-eight in the first T20I. However, he bounced back strongly and hit 76 off 32 balls in the second game. On Sunday, he scored a quick-fire 28 off 13 balls, helping India chase a target of 154 runs in just 10 overs. The Men in Blue took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series with two games to go.
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