Sanju Samson’s cricketing journey has been a perplexing tale of immense talent and inconsistent opportunities. Once again, the Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter found himself in an unfamiliar role during the second T20I against Sri Lanka. After being sidelined for the series opener, Samson was surprisingly promoted to open the innings, a position far removed from his usual batting slot.

This tactical decision, under the stewardship of head coach Gautam Gambhir, raised eyebrows, especially considering the player’s strengths lie in the middle order. The experiment, however, proved to be a short-lived one as Samson was dismissed for a golden duck. This setback further compounded the uncertainty surrounding his role in the team.

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Meanwhile, Riyan Parag has emerged as a key figure in the middle order, a position many had earmarked for Samson. Parag’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made him a valuable asset in the T20 format, and it seems the team management is keen on giving him ample opportunities to flourish.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan echoed this sentiment on social media, suggesting that Parag’s versatility will likely secure him a consistent spot in the team. Pathan’s observation highlights the growing competition for places in the Indian T20 setup, particularly in the middle order.

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Irfan Pathan’s post on social media suggested the same, as he expects Parag to get a long rope in the middle-order, especially in T20I cricket.

You will see Riyan Parag getting many chances due to his bowling ability. As a top-order batsman, not many in the country have the ability to roll their arm over. This is where Riyan Parag will get an extra advantage, and rightly so.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 28, 2024

Samson, undoubtedly a gifted player, has been a victim of circumstances and tactical experimentation. While his talent is undeniable, finding a consistent role in the team has been an elusive challenge. With Gambhir seemingly favoring Parag for the middle-order slot, Samson’s future in the Indian team remains uncertain.

The coming months will be crucial for Samson as he seeks to rediscover his form and prove his worth to the selectors.