Irfan Pathan Flags Warning Signs For Sanju Samson Amid Poor T20I Form

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan had raised concerns over Sanju Samson’s consistency after his lean run in the T20I series against New Zealand.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has offered a blunt assessment of Sanju Samson’s struggles in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, highlighting the wicketkeeper-batter’s lack of consistency at the international level.

Samson’s dismissal for a first-ball duck in the third T20I at Guwahati once again put the spotlight on his form and reignited debate around his place in India’s white-ball setup. The Kerala batter came into the series under pressure, knowing that opportunities were limited in a highly competitive Indian batting order.

Despite being tried as an opener earlier, Samson has failed to make a strong impact against New Zealand, managing scores of 10, 6, 0, and 24 across the four matches so far. While India have comfortably sealed the series, Samson’s individual form has remained a major talking point. In his last 15 T20I innings, he has scored 262 runs at an average of 17.46 and a strike rate of 129, including one half-century.

Pathan acknowledged Samson’s talent but underlined the long-standing issue that has followed him throughout his international career.

“I also said Sanju Samson is a fantastic player but not consistent. We have to accept he was never consistent. He is a quality player but his inconsistency was visible in all three games. Samson is inconsistent and he might score runs if given a chance in the next game. He will be in pressure because Ishan Kishan has scored runs and placed himself as a contender, showing the value of domestic cricket,” Pathan said on his Youtube channel.

Pathan’s remarks highlighted the increasing competition for places in India’s T20I XI, especially with Ishan Kishan making a strong case through his recent performances.

Pathan On Gill Replacing Sanju Samson

The former India pacer also spoke about how Samson’s role became uncertain after Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I setup, which affected his rhythm and position in the batting order.

“Sanju Samson is not in form and it’s very noticeable. It’s unfortunate for him and he was doing very well once. Then Shubman Gill came. He dropped down the order and found himself out of the side. Now Samson is searching for form. If the form doesn’t come, Tilak Varma also comes back and Samson could lose his spot,” he added.

Pathan further explained why Kishan’s inclusion added pressure on Samson, stressing that selections must be based on performance.

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“The reason Ishan Kishan was brought into the team was if any player doesn’t perform at the top, so Samson could be replaced. Kishan is in form, so pressure will be there. There has to be justice. Samson performs and no one raises questions. I know team runs on performance and when Samson gets an opportunity, he performs,” Pathan said.

Despite Samson’s struggles, India dominated the series, winning the first three matches to take an unassailable lead. After victories by 48 runs and successful chases of 209 and 154, India showcased their batting depth. However, in the fourth T20I, India fell short while chasing 215 and were bowled out for 165.