'Sanju Samson's Consistency Is Lacking': Kumble Predicts Major Test In IND Vs SA T20Is

Akshita Patel∙ Updated: Nov 7 2024, 7:10 PM | 3 Min Read

Sanju Samson to face a big test in South Africa, says Kumble [Source: @anilkumble1074, Gopal_SanjuFAN/X.com]

Young team India will be up against South Africa in a four-game T20I series starting from November 8. Ahead of the contest, former cricketer Anil Kumble told JioCinema that Sanju Samson’s consistency will be put to the test as team management mulls his long-term security in the playing XI.

Sanju Samson, having made his international debut nearly a decade ago, has failed to seal a permanent spot in India’s limited over format teams. Inconsistency in form and selection process were primary reasons behind his snub. 

However, under head coach Gautam Gambhir’s regime, Samson has been given a long leash. Not only that, to unleash the wicket-keeper’s true potential, he was promoted to his desired spot in the top order.

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Anil Kumble wants Samson to become consistent 

While Sanju Samson scored a blistering century in the previous series against Bangladesh, former cricketer Anil Kumble believes that pressure will stay on him regardless of his recent form. While speaking to JioCinema, Kumble explained that consistency is lacking in Samson’s gameplay but he is indeed a class apart kind of player. And the previous century will only boost his confidence.

"There's been a lot of talk about keeping Sanju Samson in the team long-term, and that century he scored will certainly have given him a lot of confidence. We know the ability of Sanju Samson; he is a class act," Kumble said.

Anil Kumble further added that Sanju Samson has been in India’s long term plans and he has to demonstrate his ability to deliver consistency in order to win the team management’s hearts.

"Consistency is a bit lacking, and I'm sure the Indian selectors are mindful of that. Placing him at the top of the innings, either at number one, two, or three, is where I believe he can truly add value to this team. He has strong backfoot play, plenty of time against fast bowlers, and can be devastating against spinners. It will be interesting to see how he handles those four matches in South Africa under those conditions," he added.

Overall, Kumble is excited to see what Samson has to offer in the tricky conditions of South Africa.

Sanju Samson credits change in the batting order behind recent success

After scoring a 47 ball 111 run knock against Bangladesh, Sanju Samson revealed that being promoted to the opening role proved to be a game-changing decision. He added that Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav briefed him on the new plan three weeks before the series. That allowed the wicket-keeper to head to RR academy and practise with the new ball.

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