Badrinath’s comments come amid ongoing debate over India’s top spot, especially with Samson’s place under scrutiny despite being part of the World Cup squad. The cricketer-turned-commentator believes that once Tilak Varma returns, Kishan will have to vacate the third spot while the Kerala cricketer seems set to retain his spot as an opener.
“It’s time for the Indian team to make a decision. If Sanju Samson is allowed to start the World Cup, which I think he will, he will have to play in both the remaining matches (against New Zealand). They will not make a change just for these two matches. Even if Tilak Varma comes, his position is number three. So he has to come in place of Ishan Kishan,” Badrinath said via Star Sports.
“This is the process I will follow because he (Samson) needs confidence. If there is one person in the Indian team who is looking for confidence, it is Sanju Samsonas he will be your goalkeeper for the World Cup. So I’m not pressing the panic button yet. He is a good player and that is why you selected him and supported him,” he added.
Sanju has struggled in the ongoing T20I series against the BlackCaps, only managing to score just 16 runs in the first three matches. Kishan, on the other hand, has made a triumphant return to Indian colors with a series of impressive performances.
When the hour comes, Samson will be well: Badrinath
The ex-India batsman pressed further Suryakumar Yadav-led side to trust the 31-year-old cricketer ahead of the big event, believing Samson will deliver the performances when it matters.
“When the hour comes, he will be fine. So I won’t dig too much into it. T20 cricket is a high-risk game. A lot of players are in very good form, while Sanju hasn’t scored in a few matches. That’s fine, without digging too much into it, it’s best to stick to the process and support him,” Badrinath concluded.
With the T20 World Cup looming and form not being on Samson’s side, it will be extremely interesting to see how the batsman can return the faith the management has shown in him.
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