Srikkanth disappointed with Samson's performance in T20I series
What's the story
Former Indian cricket team captain, Krishnamachari Srikkanth, has expressed disappointment over Sanju Samson's underwhelming performance in the recently-concluded T20I series against England.
Despite being backed by the Indian management after Rohit Sharma's retirement, Samson couldn't deliver at the top of the order in the five-match series.
His highest score was a paltry 26 runs in the opening game at Eden Gardens and he only scored 51 runs in total across all matches.
Performance analysis
Samson's struggles against short balls exploited by England
Samson's T20I series was defined by his struggle against short balls, a weakness which was capitalized by English pacers.
Srikkanth slammed Samson for getting out playing the pull shot, time and again, in all five games.
"Sanju Samson seems to have missed the bus. For the fifth time, getting out in the same manner," Srikkanth said on his Youtube channel, asking if it was an ego trip or genuine problem with this shot.
Future prospects
Srikkanth predicts Jaiswal's selection over Samson
Srikkanth also worried about Samson's future in the Indian team, saying his inconsistency could cost him his place.
He predicted Yashasvi Jaiswal would be picked over Samson in the next T20I.
"If he continues playing like this, let's say thank you, sorry, Yashasvi Jaiswal is back," Srikkanth said.
This speculation comes as the race for top order heats up with Shubman Gill and Jaiswal returning from their Test and ODI commitments.
Injury setback
Samson's injury adds to his woes
Samson's woes only worsened as he broke his index finger during the fifth T20I match.
The injury, inflicted by a Jofra Archer delivery, will keep him out for more than a month and rule him out of the upcoming Ranji Trophy quarterfinals.
The development only adds to the challenges that Samson faces as he looks to cement his place in India's top order ahead of T20 World Cup 2026.