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'Important Sanju Samson Gets Longer Rope at No.6 in T20Is': Former RR Teammate Lends Support

image-lkwdhzw6Sanju Samson is currently in WI for the T20I series [Source: Twitter]


With the Indian management focused on building a new T20I team for the upcoming T20 T20 World Cup 2024, former opener Robin Uthappa has urged Rahul Dravid and Co. to give wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson a consistent run heading into the global event next year.

Samson, who leads Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Indian Premier League (IPL), continues to be on the fringe despite doing well in limited chances. Samson scored run-a-ball 12 in India's defeat against West Indies in the first T20I on Thursday while chasing 150. 

Speaking to Jio Cinema, Uthappa, who played with Samson in IPL 2020, further urged India's team management to give Samson the long run, with his role resembling that of a finisher. 

Here's what Uthappa said

"I am hopeful considering the team management has decided to play Sanju Samson at No. 6 in T20I cricket, then it's important he gets a longer rope. If you are going to go into the World Cup with Sanju Samson playing a finisher's role, then it's important he understands the position well. The more he plays in that position, he would be able to understand it better," 

Uthappa, who was part of India's only T20 World Cup win in 2007, explained that the Kerala batter needs to make the upcoming IPL 2024 count and experiment with his position. 

"When Sanju Samson plays for the Rajasthan Royals, there also he can play half the season at the top order and the remaining half at No. 6. So that he can build familiarity. When he plays for India, it's not a given that he would get the NO. 3 spot. Suryakumar Yadav might take the spot or Virat Kohli might play at No. 3. So he needs to be prepared for both positions,"

The 28-year-old has batted 14 times between positions 1 and 4 out of the 18 T20Is, scoring 252 runs. 

Samson will be in action on Sunday, as India will play West Indies in the second T20I at Guyana, hoping to level the series 1-1.