While Sanju Samson is an established name in Indian cricket, thanks to his stint in the Indian Premier League especially with the Rajasthan Royals, he still has not got an opportunity to shine on the international stage.
At 28, Samson is still considered a potential star.
Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim believes Samson should bat higher up the order for the national team. Karim drew parallels with former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and how effective he had been after being promoted in the batting order.
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What did Saba Karim say on Sanju Samson's position in the batting order?
Sanju Samson hasn't made the most of his opportunities in India's limited overs series in the West Indies. In the ODI series he scored 60 runs in two innings while in the T20Is he scored only 32 runs in the three innings he played.
When India needed someone to shepherd the lower order in the fifth and deciding T20I against West Indies in Lauderhill on Sunday, Samson was dismissed for a meek 13.
Saba Karim, however, came to his defence on social media
A fan, Sarang Bhalerao, highlighted that Samson had not made the most of his opportunities, the way MS Dhoni had despite being a late bloomer.
"MS Dhoni hit 148 in his 5th game for India & never looked back. In a few months, he hit 183* & cemented his place firmly in the team. Sanju Samson needs a big innings for India & it’s a fair expectation considering his talent. 3rd ODI was his best chance, I feel. Unfortunately, he hasn’t played that kind of knock for India. I’m sure we’ll see a breakthrough knock soon," he said.
Karim replied with: “Agree, however, why can’t he [Sanju Samson] be sent up the order?? Sourav did that with MSD and hit a bullseye!!!"
Agree, however why can’t he be sent up the order?? Sourav did that with MSD and hit a bullseye!!!😊
— Syed Saba Karim (@SyedSabaKarim5) August 13, 2023
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How many matches has Samson played for Team India?
The right-hander has only featured for Team India in the limited-overs format. Samson made his India debut in 2015.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s/100s | High Score |
| ODI | 13 | 12 | 390 | 55.71 | 104 | 3/0 | 86 |
| T20I | 22 | 19 | 333 | 18.5 | 131.62 | 1/0 | 77 |
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