Sanju Samson Sets Unwanted Record, Becomes First Indian Player To...

Samson's Unfortunate Record

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has etched his name in cricket history, but not for a desirable reason. Samson became the first Indian player to be dismissed for a golden duck in T20Is thrice, an unwanted record that highlights his struggles in the shortest format.

Samson's T20I Struggles

Samson's dismissal for a golden duck in the 2nd T20I against the West Indies marked his third such dismissal in the format. The previous two instances came against Bangladesh in 2019 and Sri Lanka in 2021.

Samson's overall T20I record is not particularly impressive, with the right-hander averaging just 20.18 with a strike rate of 123.67. He has scored only one half-century in 18 innings, raising concerns about his consistency and ability to make a significant impact.

Samson's IPL Performances

In contrast to his T20I struggles, Samson has been a consistent performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represents the Rajasthan Royals. He has amassed over 3,000 runs in 128 IPL matches, including three centuries and 19 fifties.

Samson's IPL performances have earned him praise for his aggressive batting style and ability to play match-winning knocks. However, his T20I struggles have raised questions about his suitability for the international stage.

Possible Reasons for Samson's T20I Struggles

There are several possible reasons for Samson's struggles in T20Is. One factor could be the pressure of playing for India, as he may feel the need to perform exceptionally well to justify his selection.

Another reason could be the different playing conditions in T20Is compared to the IPL. In T20Is, the pitches are often slower and the boundaries are larger, which may not suit Samson's aggressive style of play.

Conclusion

Sanju Samson's unwanted record as the first Indian player to be dismissed for a golden duck in T20Is thrice is a reflection of his struggles in the format. While he has been a consistent performer in the IPL, his inability to replicate that success at the international level raises questions about his suitability for the Indian team in T20Is.