Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth voiced his frustration with Sanju Samson’s repeated failures in the T20I series against England. Samson, who struggled at the top of the order throughout the five-match series, managed to score just 51 runs, with his highest being 26 in the opening game at Eden Gardens. Despite this, the Indian management has continued to back the wicketkeeper-batter after Rohit Sharma’s retirement, amid a significant transition phase for the team.

Samson had previously impressed with back-to-back centuries in T20Is against Bangladesh and South Africa, even making history as the first batter to score three T20I centuries in a calendar year. However, his 2023 campaign has started on a poor note, as English pacers exposed his weakness against short-pitched deliveries during the series.

Srikkanth was critical of Samson’s repeated mistakes, particularly his consistent dismissal while playing the pull shot in five consecutive matches. “Sanju Samson seems to have missed the bus. For the fifth time, getting out in the same manner. He keeps playing the same shot. I think he’s trying to prove a point. Is he on an ego trip, or is he struggling? I’m not sure,” Srikkanth said.

Samson’s inconsistency has cost him opportunities in the past, and Srikkanth fears it could happen again. He predicts that Yashasvi Jaiswal will replace Samson in the playing XI if his poor form continues. “It’s very sad, and I am disappointed. We talked about why he wasn’t picked for the Champions Trophy squad. If he keeps playing like this, the next T20I match will see Yashasvi Jaiswal replacing him. That’s what I believe,” Srikkanth added.

Things took a turn for the worse for Samson in the fifth T20I when he fractured his index finger after being hit by a Jofra Archer delivery in Mumbai. The injury will keep him out of action for over a month, ruling him out of the upcoming Ranji Trophy quarterfinals.