IPL 2022 | You cannot put enough trust in Sanju Samson, says Azharuddin

Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin believes that Rajasthan Royals are 'over-dependent' on Jos Buttler as skipper Sanju Samson can't be trusted enough.

Samson has again looked in brilliant touch this season, and, as has been the case throughout his career, the Royals' skipper has consistently failed to convert his starts into innings of substance.

In the last match against the Lucknow Supergiants, Samson played some delightful strokes before perishing for a 24-ball 32.

Speaking to CricTracker, Azharuddin said Samson, a senior player, needs to bat with common sense and ensure he doesn't throw away his wicket.

"Rajasthan is certainly over-dependent on Jos Buttler, and if he gets dismissed early, then the team fails to post a strong score on the board. You cannot put enough trust in Sanju Samson as he has been inconsistent.”

“If you are such a valuable player of the side, you need to use common sense and not give away your wickets when 10-12 overs are left. If Ashwin is coming and making a fifty, it depicts that your batting is weak," 

Former Indian manager and veteran coach Lalchand Rajput agreed with Azhar's assessment of Samson.

Hailing Samson as a great talent, Rajput said the Kerala cricketer must learn to take responsibility.

He also added that Rajasthan are desperately feeling the absence of Shimron Hetmyer, who is currently in the Caribbean, to attend the birth of his child.

"He has got so much talent but has been inconsistent and gets dismissed by playing irresponsible shots and has to learn to take the responsibility. The team is certainly feeling the absence of Shimron Hetmyer. Due to this reason, one of the top three batters needs to bat the bulk of the overs to post a strong score on the board," said Rajput.

Samson has thus far scored 359 runs in 13 innings @ 29.92/153.42. The 27-year-old will desperately hope to convert his starts into big knocks come the playoffs.